Rocketing New Mexico Into the Future
NM Spaceport concept photo with Virgin Galactic
Time Magazine recently wrote up an article about the first commercial space port being built just a few short hours from our city. I think that bringing national – and even international – attention to these remarkable strides in technology towards the final frontier are extremely important when it comes to our local economy and New Mexico tourism.
There is no denying that the Spaceport is costing the state of New Mexico and two of the counties around the building site a pretty penny; collectively, the legislature, along with Dona Ana and Sierra County, will front approximately $198 million on construction, while Richard Branson and his mega company, Virgin Galactic, will pay around $250 million to lease the site for twenty years.
When I first read about the projected costs, especially since some of that is coming from the county that I live in, I was a little taken aback. However, the State of New Mexico is providing Gross Tax Receipts Deductions for business (small or large) taking part in the operating, launching, and recovering of space vehicles or payloads, providing and taking an active role in the research, development, testing, and evaluation for the United States Air Force operationally responsive space program. There are also deductions in place for technology and research & development jobs for both large and small businesses in New Mexico. In addition, as time wore on and more than 45,000 people have expressed serious interest in being some of first passengers on a commercial flight in space, it became clear that space still holds a worldwide audience captivated. At the hefty price tag of $200,000 a ticket, the Space Port could be making profits sooner rather than later.
The NM Board of Tourism is thrilled at the aspect of being able to cater to a different audience. Unlike states that boast cities like Las Vegas, New York City, or Los Angeles, New Mexico lacks a trademark high-roller staple. We do have wonderful 5 star resorts, incredible casinos, and metropolitan areas, but our laid-back, family-friendly lifestyle and deep cultural and historical roots have been the biggest claims to fame so far. Another comforting aspect are precautions the state is taking to preserving our rich history; a team of surveyors, including historians, archaeologists, and geologists, have been scouring the area (and continue to do so) to protect anything of scientific importance. If something is discovered, production is halted and possibly even moved.
With commercial launches expected to happen as early as 2011, I think that the Spaceport is going to be that last enormously unique thing that New Mexico needs to really be put on the map. The idea of that kind of money being invested in our great state, along with some 2,500 employment opportunities, makes me think that New Mexico is really getting the recognition it deserves for being a state like no other.
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Evelyn Bruder: CRS, GRI, ABR, E-PRO, Las Cruces Cyberstar
The Evelyn Bruder Dream Team http://www.homesforsaleinlascruces.com
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