SpaceX funding request may indicate broader scope

SpaceX isn’t talking, but a state representative said the company’s request for additional state funds could point to an expansion of SpaceX’s plans for its Boca Chica Beach launch site.

In April 2016, Caryn Schenewerk, senior counsel and director of governmental affairs for SpaceX, testified at a joint legislative committee meeting in Brownsville that the Texas Spaceport Trust Fund — which had received no money during the 84th Legislative session and was tapped out — needed a fresh infusion of cash.

She made it clear that SpaceX planned to lobby for TSTF to be funded during the 85th Legislative session and, in fact, lawmakers added $5 million in general revenue funds to TSTF during the course of wrapping up budget negotiations last spring.

In November, the Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism Division, issued a Request for Proposals for infrastructure projects supporting the development of Texas spaceports. Dec. 15 was the deadline to submit applications, which are now being reviewed by the governor’s office. Selected projects will receive some portion of the $5 million in TSTF money.

Read more: http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/local/spacex-funding-request-may-indicate-broader-scope/article_1b89e814-06ff-11e8-bb50-1fa136efb96f.html