Land deal reached for Buffalo high-tech park

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — New York state has reached a deal to buy 88 acres of former brownfields in Buffalo for a high-tech manufacturing complex focused on clean energy.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office said the state will build an anchor center for companies that agree to locate at the RiverBend site, which formerly housed Republic Steel.

Two California-based companies, Soraa and Silevo, have already signed on and it is hoped that others will follow.

Under the plan, the state will install infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, construct buildings and purchase equipment. Businesses that set up there do not receive direct state funding but will have access to the facilities.

The state’s commitment is part of Cuomo’s 2012 pledge to invest $1 billion in public funding into Buffalo’s economy.