Spaceport America Fails to Deliver Promised Economic Boost to New Mexico
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Spaceport America in New Mexico was promoted as a hub for space tourism and touted as an economic boon, but has so far fallen short of expectations and delivered limited local economic impact.
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The state and local counties invested over $200 million in taxpayer funds to construct Spaceport America, which has so far only generated a fraction of the projected jobs and economic activity.
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Anchor tenant Virgin Galactic has struggled with delays, layoffs, and questions around its long-term viability, conducting only 6 total launches so far.
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While some locals remain hopeful, many residents feel duped by unfulfilled promises and are frustrated by the lack of economic return on significant public investments.
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Despite recent setbacks, officials aim to attract new aerospace tenants to diversify from reliance on the troubled Virgin Galactic.