Senator Mark Kelly's efforts have placed Arizona on the semiconductor map with the Chips and Science Act leading to substantial industry investments and job creation throughout the state. As reported by Seator's office, these moves are poised to establish tens of thousands of jobs and propel opportunities for Arizonans, including those without four-year degrees, by equipping them with the necessary skills for the burgeoning microchip sector.
According to a recent release, the Department of Commerce finalized deals this November with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Intel to bolster their presence in Arizona, TSMC is set to receive a potent combination of grants and loans—$6.6 billion in grants and around $5 billion in loans—to support its Phoenix factories, while Intel's engagement in the state, with an existing footprint of four and two more plants underway in Chandler, will be fortified by a $7.8 billion award, a facet of Intel's wider $90 billion commitment to U.S. investments by the decade's end, these investments are not only anticipated to amplify Arizona's manufacturing capabilities but also to generate a massive wave of construction and manufacturing job opportunities.
Joining the semiconductor surge, Amkor Technology Inc., as noted in the announcement, will receive $400 million to enhance its Arizona operations and create 2,000 jobs with its new Peoria semiconductor packaging facility, a key player as the world's most substantial U.S. based chip packager and tester.
Arizona's academic institutions are not left behind in the semiconductor revival; in October, the Maricopa County Community College District secured $1.7 million to sharpen training programs for microchip manufacturing roles. Kelly's act also uplifted Arizona State University's advancement in cutting-edge technologies—January saw ASU's Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine bestowed with designation as one of the inaugural National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines, fostering a robust $15 million investment over the upcoming biennium to challenge climate change and water scarcity issues threatening the region's growth, moving forward, in November, ASU was announced to pocket a $100 million award for SHIELD USA, ASU-guided mission aimed at boosting U.S. prowess in microelectronics and fortifying national security.
