Spaceport America Final EIS - Executive Summary

"EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Introduction

The State of New Mexico, New Mexico Economic Development Department (NMEDD) through the New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) proposes to development and operate a commercial space launch site, called Spaceport America."

This is the very first sentence of the Executive Summary. It is troublesome in that the official name for Spaceport America is still Southwest Regional Spaceport in the laws of the State of New Mexico. I distinctly recall Steve Landene addressing the Spaceport Authority and listing the legislative needs for the 2009 session. Besides the predictable money requests, Mr. Landene pointed out the need for an official name change. Cart before the horse and a question of accuracy in this EIS.

Also, why was Holloman Air Force Base not mentioned ONCE in this EIS?

There are three alternatives including No Action. Alternative 1 is for horizontal launches and Alternative 2 is for vertical launches. Where is the alternative that combines both horizontal and vertical launches?

Under Purpose and Need, "the need for the project proposed by NMSA is to establish a long-term source of economic development in southern New Mexico...". In my humble opinion New Mexico does not need any further taxpayer supported economic development schemes. What New Mexico needs is SOUND business practices, less meddling by all levels of government and wise and productive use of our natural and intellectual resources. But what do I know, I ran a successful business for many years based on tried and true economic principles and common sense. Waste not, want not, the customer is boss, etc.

For your own copy of the Final EIS contact: Ms. Stacey M. Zee, Office of Commercial Space Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Ave, SW, Suite 331, Washington, DC 20591. Email: stacey.zee@faa.gov