Some $50 million worth of new solar manufacturing equipment purchased by New York State for use in the Tesla manufacturing plant on South Park Avenue is currently sitting unused in a Niagara County warehouse. The equipment takes up from 30,000-60,000 square feet of space in the Wheatfield Business Park, near the Niagara Falls Airport.
The equipment was purchased by the state years ago as part of the controversial Buffalo Billion agreement to build and equip the plant for Tesla at RiverBend. The cost of that project to the state has risen over the years, from $750 million to more than $958 million, including nearly $300 million for the equipment.
Tesla says it has no need for the extra equipment, and it has paid for its moving and storage.
"We are seeking alternative uses for the equipment, including making it available to other high-tech businesses that are considering a move or expansion in New York, or selling to interested bidders," Empire State Development said in a statement.
