On a barren stretch of high-altitude desert about halfway between Las Cruces and Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, something wonderful happened on June 19, 2009. Construction was launched on Spaceport America.
Spaceport America has a very lofty goal: to develop and operate the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport. In doing so, it will create revenue for the State of New Mexico through economic development, tourism and educational opportunities related to the future space industry it will serve. In fact, two independent studies have forecast a very bright future for the facility. One study projects 2,300 employees at Spaceport in its fifth year; another believes by 2020, over 5,000 will work there. Best of all, the positive economic benefits are already being felt, with over 500 new construction jobs created in an area previously devoid of such work.
What makes Spaceport America special isn’t just the allure of outer space, but the reality of what’s currently happening on the ground. It’s about delivering prosperity to communities through public/private partnerships, collaboration, transformation, stewardship, and inspiring the next generation. These attributes and others are a common thread in Brownstein’s community efforts. So the firm was honored and gratified when in February 2011, New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez appointed Brownstein shareholder David Buchholtz to the board of directors of the New Mexico Spaceport Authority, which oversees all aspects of the facility.
Brownstein’s tradition of community involvement offers attorneys and staff many opportunities to not only give back, but also to be part of truly life-changing and life-enhancing initiatives and organizations. Spaceport America represents just one of the hundreds of organizations Brownstein assists each year through volunteering, board service, pro bono work and more.
For more information about Spaceport America, you’re invited to visit www.spaceportamerica.com. To learn more about the impact Brownstein is making in our communities, please click for our 2011 Community Relations Report.
|