Oregon Withdraws from Hillsboro Farmland Incorporation as Hope Fades for its Selection as a Semiconductor Research Hub

Oregon has all but admitted defeat in its apparent failure to attract a CHIPS Act semiconductor research hub.

With five days to go until legislation expired on December 31, Governor Tina Kotek announced the decision to drop plans to incorporate 373 acres of farmland near Hillsboro into the industrial hub.

The State Threw its Resources into Attracting a National Semiconductor Technology Center Worth Nearly $1 Billion

Since 2022, Oregon has thrown its resources into efforts to attract approval from the Biden administration as the site of one of three National Semiconductor Technology Centers, worth nearly a billion dollars to the state.

With help from the Legislature, and the support of Intel, Oregon planned to incorporate farmland near the existing Intel technology compound in Hillsboro into the state’s urban growth boundary. Legislative authority to do so expires on 31 December 2024.

Withdrawal Regarded as Acknowledgment of Defeat

Friday’s decision to drop the incorporation plans is regarded as an acknowledgment of defeat.

This is a dramatic turnaround from earlier months when Oregon was regarded as a favorite to attract one of the three research hubs awarded in terms of the CHIPS Act.

In November, the Biden administration selected California and Albany in upstate New York as the first of two research hubs. The third was expected to be awarded to Oregon.

However, as the weeks went by with no further allocation, hopes of cementing Oregon as a leading center of the computer technology industry began to fade.

Arizona, Indiana, and Texas Have Entered the Race

Intel no longer wields the influence it once enjoyed in Washington, and other states like Arizona, Indiana, and Texas, have entered the race for a National Semiconductor Technology Center.

While the Governor’s decision does not officially mean that Oregon has withdrawn its bid, a new site would have to be found, and new authorization would have to be given by the Legislature for the state to house a research hub.

The current situation is far from gloomy for all Oregonians as land conservationists, farmers, and organizations led by 1000 Friends of Oregon have fought to preserve the 373 acres in Hillsboro for farming.