SK hynix has advanced plans for a proposed $4 billion semiconductor plant in West Lafayette, Ind., after foundation-permit applications totaling $98 million were filed on Jan. 26 for work at 3800 Yeager Road. The Purdue Research Foundation submitted permits allocating $11M for a main office foundation, $19M for a central utility building and $68M for the factory. A mass-grading permit was issued in September and environmental reviews are underway with IDEM, while local opponents have consolidated lawsuits challenging the rezoning; a status conference is set for March 9.
SK hynix Advances $4B West Lafayette Chip Plant With $98M In Foundation Permits
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Plans for SK hynix's proposed $4 billion semiconductor manufacturing campus moved forward when foundation-permit applications totaling $98 million were filed on Jan. 26 for the site at 3800 Yeager Road.
The Purdue Research Foundation submitted the applications, which break down as follows: $11 million for SK hynix's main office foundation, $19 million for a central utility building foundation and $68 million for the factory foundation itself.
City and Tippecanoe County officials previously issued a mass-grading permit in September to allow large-scale earthmoving and site preparation. Environmental approvals are also underway with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), according to SK hynix's public statements.
"To date, no material issues have been identified in coordination with the Authority Having Jurisdiction — the local regulatory body responsible for ensuring that buildings and structures comply with safety standards and meet all applicable laws and regulations," SK hynix said on its website. "All engagements remain on track and in compliance with regulatory expectations."
Local Opposition And Legal Challenges
The construction progress comes after months of contentious West Lafayette City Council meetings. Residents raised questions and concerns after the council approved rezoning for the factory site in May.
In June, two lawsuits were filed and later consolidated in attempts to overturn the rezoning decision. In late December, plaintiff Lora Williams requested disclosure documents from multiple parties, including West Lafayette city officials, the Purdue Research Foundation, Purdue University, SK hynix Semiconductors, Tippecanoe County Emergency Management and the county's Area Plan Commission.
On Feb. 1, Williams and co-plaintiffs Karl Janich and Sean Sasser filed a lengthy memorandum in the litigation. A status conference in the case is scheduled for March 9.
What This Means: The foundation-permit filings signal concrete progress toward construction, while environmental reviews and ongoing legal actions mean the project timeline could still face delays or additional review. Observers say the plant would significantly expand local economic activity and workforce needs if it proceeds as planned.
Jillian Ellison is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. She can be reached at jellison@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: SK hynix files build permits for West Lafayette chip plant totaling $98M
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