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LAS CRUCES, NM – New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) has entered an agreement with Sierra Electric Cooperative (SEC) to provide the electrical power for Spaceport America, the world's first purpose-built commercial spaceport now under construction. The system will include a ten-MVA electrical substation and approximately six-miles of distribution line to connect to a Tri-State 115 KV transmission line serviced by locally-based Sierra Electric Cooperative. Sierra Electric Cooperative will have the responsibility to design and construct the substation and distribution line.

NMSA Executive Director Steve Landeene is excited to enter this off-site electrical system agreement with SEC, saying, "We are pleased to be part of the community and working with Sierra Electric Cooperative to power Spaceport America. This agreement builds on the existing relationship which began with a Memorandum of Understanding for the exploration of renewable energy signed in April of 2008."

Officials from Sierra Electric Cooperative also expressed enthusiasm for the project in a statement released earlier by General Manager Steve Gee. "We are pleased to be a part of a new frontier as we provide the electric service to Spaceport America. We trust the Spaceport will be the catalyst for new ideas and new developments that benefit our community, our state and our nation."

Gee commented further, "Spaceport America represents a significant infrastructure coming to Sierra County, and as the county’s leading service provider, it is our pleasure to add Spaceport America to the Cooperative.“ Sierra Electrical Cooperative President Jimmy Bason concurred, saying, "The Spaceport project will bring jobs, tourism and educational opportunities to Sierra County and a positive impact on the Cooperative. This agreement will be good for SEC, the community, and our children."

Progress at Spaceport America continues at a rapid pace. Road improvements to the spaceport are now complete, and after a successful groundbreaking ceremony in June, bids are being reviewed and awarded for various aspects of the construction. The latest Requests for Proposal (RFP) and Invitations to Bid (ITB) can be found online at www.spaceportamerica.com. Spaceport America will have a 10,000-foot runway complete by late summer 2010 with the Terminal Hangar Facility projected to be complete by early 2011.The NMSA has been working closely with leading aerospace firms such as Virgin Galactic, Lockheed Martin, UP Aerospace, Armadillo Aerospace, and Microgravity Enterprises to develop commercial spaceflight.