AMD awaits zoning decision ; Company and Malta working to reach agreement on regulations for tech campus

MALTA - Town of Malta officials are still working to set the ground rules for Advanced Micro Devices Inc.'s $3.2 billion computer chip factory planned for the town.

Those rules are governed by a zoning law the Town Board passed in 2004 known as a Planned Development District that outlines the regulations governing the use of the Luther Forest Technology Campus, where AMD is planning to build.

AMD came to the Town Board earlier this year seeking changes to the law. For instance, the existing law says that Luther Forest can be home to four chip fabs, each a maximum of 800,000 square feet. AMD plans to build up to three fabs, each a maximum of 980,000 square feet.

Because the industry uses toxic chemicals to make chips, the town's zoning law includes a variety of environmental safeguards and requirements. AMD is requesting some be changed either because they are too vague or aren't practical for its business.

"We are continuing to work with local officials on regulatory process," said AMD spokesman Travis Bullard. "The PDD (law) is close to being complete."

Malta Town Supervisor Paul Sausville says the board is working very hard on making sure the PDD had strong environmental provisions.

"That's one of the most important issues," Sausville said. "We promised our residents that there would be adequate environmental oversight and controls. We don't want to break that promise."

Sausville said the town is consulting with the state Department of Environmental Conservation on environmental oversight options. Sausville said there is no deadline to vote on a new PDD law.

He also noted that AMD is known for its environmental practices. Two weeks ago, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency gave AMD its Climate Protection Award.

"They're environmental leaders as well," Sausville said. "We think there is a good matchup here.'

AMD is also about to submit a final environmental impact statement to the Town Board. Although AMD has not yet officially committed to the project, the Sunnyvale, Calif., company has been trying to get town approvals in place so that it can get a building permit by the end of the year.

New York state's $1.2 billion incentive package to AMD stipulates that the company must decide to build by July 2009.

Larry Rulison can be reached at 454-5504 or by e-mail at lrulison@timesunion.com