Tue, Nov 29, 2011
Report Says East Coast Facility Should Be Multi-Use, Lacks
Long-Term Strategy
A study on the economic competitiveness of the Virginia
Commercial Space Flight Authority (VCSFA) released recently by
Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell's office recommends several changes
and improvements to the state's commercial spaceport. The study,
commissioned in response to the 2011 Virginia Appropriation Act,
reviewed the governance, organization and competitive landscape for
the VCSFA in order to identify the necessary steps to make the Mid
Atlantic Spaceport (MARS), located on Wallops Island, more
competitive.
"As home to one of only four facilities
licensed by the FAA to send rockets into orbit, the Wallops Flight
Facility at MARS has the potential to become the leading commercial
space flight facility in the United State, all while creating much
needed jobs and economic development in all corners of the
Commonwealth," said Governor McDonnell (R) (Pictured). "With our
tremendous educational institutions, manufacturing capabilities,
workforce, and ranking as the number one state in the nation in
which to do business, the recommendations contained in this report
will help Virginia seize a growing portion of this critical sector.
Opportunities abound for Virginia in today's commercial space
flight industry. "
The report identifies a number of findings related to the VCSFA and
makes seven key recommendations designed to enhance the economic
competitiveness of Virginia's commercial space flight industry.
- Make the capital investment necessary to turn MARS into a
multi-use facility and attract new customers.
- The VCSFA should develop market-based usage cost rates that
reflect the infrastructure, site, facilities, and range equipment
at MARS.
- The VCSFA must focus on a long range strategy for MARS.
- The Board of Directors should be restructured to reflect the
mission, purpose and size of the VCSFA.
- The VCSFA should reevaluate and refresh agreements with other
entities.
- The VCSFA staff and organizational structure should reflect the
strategic direction.
"Virginia's space industry currently contributes $7.6 billion in
annual direct economic output and supports over 28,000 jobs,"
Governor McDonnell continued. "Given the job creation and economic
development potential surrounding MARS, I will be submitting a
promotion bill this session of the General Assembly to implement
the report's recommendations. The VCSFA has the potential to become
a major economic force in the Commonwealth. We must take the steps
to ensure that this occurs."
The Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority was created in 1995
by the General Assembly to oversee the development of the
commercial space flight industry in the Commonwealth. In 1997, The
Federal Aviation Administration granted the VCSFA one of only four
licenses to launch rockets into Earth orbit. In the years following
its creation, the VCSFA has worked closely with the General
Assembly to enact a number of policies that lead the FAA to
recognize Virginia as "the most progressive state in the nation
when it comes to supporting commercial space."
"Since the VCSFA's creation, Virginia has become a leader in
commercial space flight," said Secretary of Transportation Sean T.
Connaughton. "We look forward to working with the General Assembly
this session to implement the initiatives recommended in KPMG's
report and take the steps necessary to ensure the continued success
of the commercial space industry in Virginia."
The study was conducted by KPMG Corporate Finance.
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