PRESS RELEASE •
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE •
March 20, 2009 •

Spaceport EIS Mitigation Bid Won by Las Cruces Firm

LAS CRUCES, NM – Zia Engineering & Environmental Consultants, LLC., a Las Cruces-based consulting firm with offices in several states, has been awarded a contract by the New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) to provide Cultural Resources Data Recovery and Reporting services for Spaceport America. Zia will conduct archaeological data recovery investigations in conformance to state and federal guidelines at four identified sites located within the Spaceport’s boundaries.

Zia was among several companies competing for the contract through the state’s Request for Proposal (RFP) process, which evaluates the participants based on multiple criteria to best determine which firm can deliver the services for the NMSA. Zia was considered well qualified for the work and submitted the most competitive bid. Having surveyed the four archaeological sites for the preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Zia will conduct the necessary archaeological fieldwork, and prepare preliminary and final reports as per New Mexico state regulations and the Secretary of Interior’s standards for Archeology.

Zia is a privately held Limited Liability Corporation employing over 100 professional members in eight offices. As a minority-owned small business, Zia was founded as an engineering and environmental services consulting firm in March 2000.

“We are pleased that not only did we find a high quality company for the job, but that Zia is based right here in Las Cruces, New Mexico,” said Spaceport Authority (NMSA) Executive Director Steve Landeene “The economic possibilities that Spaceport America holds for Southern New Mexico and the entire state is exemplified by contracting with local companies like Zia.” Landeene is confident that Zia and the NMSA will work diligently to preserve New Mexico’s rich archaeological history. Zia will complete the archeology and data recovery prior to construction of the entrance road to Spaceport America. 

Spaceport America continues to make progress. Presently, the architectural team of URS/Foster + Partners is completing the final design for the terminal and hangar facility, after which an RFP will be issued. Local and regional companies can then bid on the various components of the spaceport facilities construction project, scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2009. Road construction to Spaceport America from Truth or Consequences is currently underway, scheduled to be completed in late March or early April. For the latest information regarding spaceport construction RFPs go to:
http://www.spaceportamerica.com/construction/rfps.html

Spaceport America has been working closely with leading aerospace firms such as Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin, Rocket Racing Inc./Armadillo Aerospace, UP Aerospace, Microgravity Enterprises and Payload Specialties. The terminal and hangar facility is projected by NMSA to be completed by late 2010.
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