The one thing this site doesn’t have currently is rail access, maybe that’s not that important? Not sure if the Austin site has it or not. I know I prefer this location to Inola. East Tulsa could really use a shot in the arm but this would also be a major boost for BA and Catoosa/Verdigris.
It doesn't, the site they picked out in Austin doesn't either. I was wrong on that end, Tesla is always a bit out of the box so guess they aren't as concerned about rail access. Maybe they feel like once the Semi is in production they'll just do shipping that way instead of via rail? Who knows.
I think this site is owned by one of the Waltons - they own the land to the north of 412 as well and several 100 acres to the south too. I think at one point almost 2 decades ago they had looked into building a NASCAR stadium on that site but nothing materialized on that and it's just been ranch land since.
Even if Austin is picked this will be a net benefit for Tulsa going all out. We're not only out to make an impression on Tesla, but we have the nation's site selection industry's eyes on us and I think this could really be a game changer to getting more job expansions/relocations to Tulsa.
"Meanwhile, just being a finalist for Tesla’s factory has already given Tulsa and the rest of Oklahoma more credibility with other companies, Kouplen said. His office is currently working on at least 115 economic development opportunities across the state, with many of the companies giving the state a serious look as a direct result of Tesla’s interest, he said.”