Sierra County Voters Approve Spaceport Tax

T or C, NM – Today, history was made in Sierra County. The voters of Sierra County, New Mexico, have approved an increase in local gross receipts tax to support the construction of Spaceport America, the nation’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport. Sierra County can now join adjacent Doña Ana County in forming a Tax Development District (TDD) as required by the New Mexico State Legislature to fund the spaceport project.

New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) Executive Director Steve Landeene was enthusiastic about the election results, saying, “The people of Sierra County have made a commitment to improve the quality of life for themselves and their children. Spaceport America is real and it’s happening, right here in New Mexico.” The election, which will increase local gross receipts tax by one-quarter of one percent, drew a large turnout of voters, with 2,046 voting in favor of the spaceport and 1,066 voting against.

The formation of the tax district will allow funding for the construction of Spaceport America. In November, voters in adjacent Otero County will go to the polls to decide on a similar tax in that county. In the meantime, NMSA officials will continue to seek their site operator’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) along with a finalized agreement from Virgin Galactic as the spaceport’s anchor tenant, both of which conditions must be met prior to the project moving forward.

With continuing positive community support and ongoing commercial vertical launch activity, Spaceport America holds great promise for New Mexico’s economic future as the nation’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport.