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UPHAM, NM – New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) officials are reporting substantial progress with the planning and design of Spaceport America, the nation’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport. Working with DMJM Aviation, a firm that specializes in the planning, design and construction management of aviation facilities throughout the world, the NMSA is 90 percent complete with the site layout and design, which means the first bid package for construction will be ready within the coming months.
DMJM Aviation Associate Vice President Luci Woodard is pleased with the Spaceport project. “There is so much positive progress being made,” Woodard said in a statement from DMJM Aviation. Along with the news that the site layout and design is 90 percent complete, DMJM states that the water and power distribution and internal road design is approximately 85 percent complete, and the runway and related airfield design is 65 percent complete. All design related activity for the on-site infrastructure is anticipated to be complete by May. “In addition, the projected cost for the on-site infrastructure is right on target with the original budget,” Woodard said.
The NMSA is excited about what this progress means to Spaceport America. NMSA Executive Director Steve Landeene said, “Spaceport America is a reality, and there is a lot of activity and progress going on every day. When the planning and design work is complete, we will then prepare the first bid package for construction work.” Landeene hopes to be able to issue the bid packages this summer, but the actual date will be in alignment with the Environmental Impact Study and operational schedule requirements.
The anticipated economic impact of Spaceport America is projected to be overwhelmingly positive for the state of New Mexico. It is estimated that on-site construction projects, estimated at $112 million, will require approximately 500 construction workers, the majority of which will come from the surrounding areas. The construction phase alone is predicted to provide Sierra County about $1.5-2 million in increased GRT revenue.
Construction on the Spaceport can begin once the NMSA receives their site operator’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with completion currently planned for some time in the year 2010. Independent studies have forecast the future of
Spaceport America positively, with projections for 2250 jobs and $1 billion in economic activity within the first five years. With continuing positive community support and ongoing commercial vertical launch activity, Spaceport America holds great promise for New Mexico’s economic future as the nation’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport.
For images of Spaceport America go to: www. spaceportamerica.com
(For additional information, contact David Wilson @ Wilson Binkley Advertising & Marketing - 575-524-8118)
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