The Alabama Space Authority, which was established earlier this year, will hold its initial meeting Tuesday at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala.
During the 2017 legislative session, Lineville-Republican State Sen. Gerald Dial and Madison-Republican State Rep. Howard Sanderford sponsored legislation that created the spaceport authority to promote the research and development of the aerospace and aviation industries in Alabama. Housed within the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affair (ADECA), the space authority will seek space business opportunities, and promote activities and industries specifically related to space exploration.
Glenn H. Rizner, who is Chief of Staff for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Commercial Space Transportation Office, will make a presentation at the meeting.
“I have worked with Mr. Rizner and my colleagues in both the House and Senate since 2012 to create the Alabama Spaceport Authority. It has been a long process and I am excited to be a part of the foundation for the next generation of industries and jobs for our great state,” Dial said. “Look at the long-reaching impact that the Mobile ports have had on our ability to recruit industries, and how important our airports are to our ability to attract companies and tourism – now imagine what a Spaceport in Alabama will do for the next generation of Alabamians.”
“We have a unique opportunity to become as relevant in the commercial space industry as we are in the automotive industry. We have proven time and time again that we have can develop the workforce necessary for any endeavor,” Dial continued. “We are not just talking about pilots and engineers, but also highly-skilled welding and fabrication jobs, sand blasting, transport and logistics as well as the support personnel that come with any industry.”
“The long-term economic impact of having a Spaceport in Alabama will rival the economic effect that seaports and airports have had.”
