December 2025 — Onondaga County lawmakers are advancing one of the largest infrastructure investments in county history: a $549.5 million upgrade to the Oak Orchard wastewater treatment plant designed to support the region's economic growth driven by Micron Technology's planned chip manufacturing facilities. The full county legislature will vote on the project at a special session on December 29, 2025, following a public hearing.
The Oak Orchard treatment plant, which opened in 1981 and currently serves Clay, Cicero, and North Syracuse, is operating at roughly half of its 10 million gallon-per-day design capacity. The proposed upgrade will expand the facility to handle 15 million gallons per day, creating substantial additional capacity for residential and commercial growth expected from Micron's semiconductor manufacturing presence in the region.
The project represents a critical piece of infrastructure development tied to the broader Micron Technology initiative. In addition to the municipal treatment plant upgrade, a separate industrial wastewater facility dedicated exclusively to Micron's process waste will also be built, with Micron bearing the full cost of that facility.
According to County Executive Ryan McMahon, the sewer upgrade is essential to Micron's success in the region. "Without that project there is no Micron," McMahon stated after a recent committee vote.
If approved, the project would proceed as follows:
The Water Environment Protection department, which manages county sewer infrastructure, estimates the project will add nearly $48 million annually to the department's operating expenses—an increase of roughly 50 percent. This increase encompasses both debt service on bonds and enhanced operating costs for the larger facility.
County Executive McMahon has been cautious about projecting exact rate increases, citing multiple variables that affect final costs to sewer users. The administration's current estimate suggests annual household sewer charges could increase approximately $115 per household—or roughly 24 percent—phased in over the five-year construction period. However, McMahon cautioned that this projection will change based on several factors:
"We aren't even sure there will be a rate increase, because you bring on so many more units," McMahon said, noting that substantial new commercial and residential development could offset some of the debt service costs.
The project encountered early resistance during a Ways and Means Committee vote on December 19, 2025, where the committee split along party lines: three Republicans voted yes, three Democrats voted no, with one member absent. Despite the tie vote in committee, the matter will proceed to the full legislature.
Legislator Dan Romeo (D-Syracuse), one of the committee members who voted against proceeding, acknowledged the need for the project but expressed concern about insufficient information. "I want this project to go, I really do. I know it needs to happen. But I need information if I'm going to vote for something," Romeo said.
The timing of the vote is significant: Democrats will assume majority control of the legislature on January 1, 2026, just three days after the scheduled December 29 vote. Some observers view the expedited timing as an attempt by the current Republican-led legislature to secure approval before power shifts.
This sewer upgrade represents more than routine infrastructure maintenance—it's a foundational element of the region's economic development strategy. Micron Technology's semiconductor manufacturing presence is expected to generate thousands of jobs and substantial economic activity. Without adequate wastewater treatment capacity, the region cannot accommodate the residential growth, commercial expansion, and supporting industries that Micron's presence will attract.
For construction companies, engineers, and contractors in Central New York, the Oak Orchard upgrade signals sustained infrastructure investment through 2031. The project scope—expanding a major wastewater treatment facility over five years—typically involves ongoing engineering, site construction, equipment installation, and systems integration work.
The project also underscores the interconnected nature of large-scale economic development: attracting major employers requires coordinated investment in water infrastructure, transportation, utilities, and supporting systems. Central New York's ability to execute this sewer project successfully will directly impact the region's competitive positioning for future industrial investment.
Before the full legislature votes on December 29, 2025, county officials will hold a public hearing where residents can voice concerns or support for the project. Following approval, the county will issue a request for proposals from qualified contractors. Construction could begin as early as late 2026, assuming bond financing closes successfully and procurement timelines proceed smoothly.
Construction firms and engineering teams with experience in wastewater treatment plant upgrades and large-scale municipal infrastructure projects should monitor the project closely, as bid opportunities will likely emerge in 2026 and 2027.
Westside Construction Group has extensive experience with complex infrastructure projects across Upstate New York, including water and wastewater systems. For more on regional infrastructure investments, explore our coverage of Micron's Environmental Permits for the Clay Semiconductor Plant. Contact WCG to discuss infrastructure project opportunities in Central New York.
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