The New Mexico Spaceport Authority has established a Community Advisory Committee to solicit input, ideas and feedback from communities that will be impacted by the facility and the new space industry it brings to the state, said New Mexico Spaceport Authority Chairman Rick Homans.

"We want as many local communities as possible to be involved in the planning and Development of Spaceport America," Homans said. "The Authority needs this kind of partnership to maximize economic development opportunities and to stay aware of challenges and opportunities as we move forward. We want to foster open communication between the spaceport and local communities."

Homans has appointed Richard Holdridge, Chairman of the Luna County Commission and a New Mexico Spaceport Authority member, to chair the committee, which will meet each quarter, or as needed.

“I look forward to working with the local communities as the Spaceport America project moves forward,” said Holdridge.

In order to join, a city or county governing body must pass a resolution that names and appoints a specific representative to serve on the committee, and agree to pay related travel and per diem if applicable.

Spaceport America is a landmark project being built in Sierra County, 45 miles northeast of Las Cruces. According to economic forecasts by NMSU and Futron, the project may spur up to 5,000 new jobs and up to one billion in new revenue in the state. The spaceport is scheduled to open for business in late 2009 or early 2010.