Governor Charlie Crist announced today new legislation to ensure the state’s continued leadership in spaceflight and exploration. Crist’s announcement came during remarks at the Florida Statewide Space Industry Summit in Orlando and against the backdrop of an estimated 7,000 jobs likely to be lost owing to the shuttering of NASA’s Constellation program.
“To continue our proud legacy as the premiere destination for aerospace innovations, Florida’s space program must be bold, robust and daring,” said Governor Crist. “Floridians have kept our nation on the leading edge of space exploration and development, and those who are still engaged are an extraordinary asset we must sustain.”
Dubbed the Space Transition and Revitalization Act, the new legislation will establish the Space Business Investment and Financial Services Initiative within Space Florida. Supported by the Space Business Investment and Financial Services Trust Fund, and funded by state sales tax revenue from Kennedy Space Center visitor complexes and remaining appropriation funds, the proposed Act will provide assistance for new and expanding aerospace businesses. The legislation will help offset job losses and promote economic growth during the nation’s current transitions in the space industry. The Act will also help secure the Governor’s aerospace budget priorities.
During his remarks, Governor Crist also highlighted his proposed 2010-11 aerospace budget recommendations. The Governor called on the Florida Legislature to invest $32.6 million to help transform Florida’s aerospace industry for tomorrow’s industry needs. The funding includes $20 million for business recruitment activities, such as $10 million in financing assistance for aerospace businesses to help spur business expansion and create new job opportunities, and $3.2 million for workforce development assistance.
