PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A critic of the government’s involvement in a solar power panel plant in Wilsonville says taxpayers are financing a private venture that could leave Oregon in a couple of years.
Jody Wiser who leads the group Tax Fairness Oregon says taxpayers are taking more than 70 percent of the risk for the SoloPower plant with few guarantees.
The Oregonian reports SoloPower is a Silicon Valley startup that is getting $42 million in tax breaks and loans for the $55 million factory.
Oregon outbid other states for the plant that will employ 170 people making thin-film solar panels.