LAS CRUCES, NM – The New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) has announced that the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) has initiated the bid process for road improvements to Spaceport America. The bid notifications were initially posted on Saturday, June 21, and bids are currently being accepted by NMDOT. They will be opened on July 18, with initial work planned to begin on or around September 2008, depending on weather and other factors. Once completed, the improved road will allow the construction process of the spaceport to continue on schedule.

The project will improve County Road AO13 from Engle, NM south to the intersection of AO13 and AO39, which is the entrance to Spaceport America. The project will involve improving the road and applying a temporary chip and seal road surface. Officials are hoping to have work completed before the end of the year. A copy of the invitation for bids along with plans and contract documents can be requested through the P.S.&E. section of NMDOT, 1120 Cerillos Rd., Rm. 205; PO Box 1149, Santa Fe, NM 87504-1149 or by calling (505) 827-6800 and referencing BR-O-GFG2-9997(1) CN 4082.

NMSA officials and the NMDOT are currently conducting a corridor study for the southern approach to Spaceport America from an exit off Interstate 25 near Hatch, NM. The study will analyze and accept input for proposed alternate routes, and will work to identify the best option. This study is estimated to take approximately 12 to 15 months, and should be concluded in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Spaceport America is the nation’s first purpose-built commercial space facility. Spaceport America holds great promise for New Mexico’s economic future, and has been working closely with leading aerospace firms such as Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin, and UP Aerospace. With planning moving along rapidly, the NMSA currently projects that the terminal and hangar facility should be completed by 2010.

For additional information and images of Spaceport America go to www.spaceportamerica.com or contact David Wilson @- 575-524-8118)