S 2888
Spaceport act
Spaceport Act
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Bill overview
This bill, the Spaceport Project Opportunities for Resilient Transportation Act (SPACEPORT Act), modifies the process for receiving grants to modernize space transportation infrastructure. It expands the definition of ‘public agency’ eligible for these grants and limits grant funding to no more than 90% of a project’s total cost, with potential waivers. The Secretary of Transportation will develop criteria for project selection and consult with several federal agencies to ensure the grants align with national space policy and address both civil, national security, and commercial space transportation needs.
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of ‘public agency’ eligible for grants.
- Limits grant funding to a maximum of 90% of a project’s total cost, with potential waivers.
- Requires the Secretary of Transportation to develop specific criteria for project evaluation.
- Mandates consultation with the Secretary of Defense, NASA Administrator, Secretary of Commerce, and other relevant agencies.
- Directs the Secretary of Transportation to submit a report to Congress evaluating space transportation demand and providing policy recommendations.
- Authorizes appropriations of up to $10 million annually for grants under this chapter.
- Requires regular updates to the report on space transportation needs and capabilities.
Who is affected
- State and local governments
- Airport authorities
- Space transportation companies
- Federal agencies (Department of Transportation, Department of Defense, NASA, Department of Commerce)
Sponsors
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Primary sponsor
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119th CONGRESS — 1st Session
S. 2888
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
A BILL
To amend chapter 511 of title 51, United States Code, to modify the authority for space transportation infrastructure modernization grants, and for other purposes.
This Act may be cited as the Spaceport Project Opportunities for Resilient Transportation Act SPACEPORT Act
or the
.
Paragraph (5) of section 51101 of title 51, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
public agency means a State or an agency of a State, a political subdivision of a State, an airport authority, or a tax-supported organization.
Section 51103(b) of title 51, United States Code, is amended—
in subparagraph (A), by striking the United States Government’s space transportation needs
and inserting the civil, national security, and commercial space transportation needs of the United States
;
contributionsand inserting
support; and
by amending subparagraph (F) to read as follows:
the impact of the project on launch and re-entry operations and other activities at Government launch ranges, as needed.
by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
The Secretary of Transportation shall develop specific criteria for evaluating and selecting proposed projects based on the considerations under paragraph (1).
by adding at the end the following:
The Secretary of Transportation shall consult with the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Secretary of Commerce, and the heads of other appropriate agencies of the Government with respect to subparagraphs (A) and (F) of paragraph (1), as appropriate.
evaluates the demand for space transportation services, including the civil, national security, and commercial space transportation needs of the United States and international commercial markets;
provides legislative, regulatory, and policy recommendations to ensure robust and resilient space transportation capabilities in support of the national space policy;
examines a range of long-term funding options and related considerations for space transportation infrastructure projects; and
provides an assessment of international space transportation capabilities and investments, including recommendations for maintaining United States competitiveness and developing an international space transportation network.
Not later than 6 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 4 years thereafter, the Secretary of Transportation shall—
update the report submitted under paragraph (1); and
submit such updated report to Congress.
Section 51105 of title 51, United States Code, is amended by striking Not more than
and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Transportation for each fiscal year not more than $10,000,000 to make grants under this chapter.
.
The heading of chapter 511 of title 51, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: