SPACEPORT Act

## Summary The SPACEPORT Act (S. 2888) updates federal laws governing grants for space transportation infrastructure to enhance U.S. competitiveness and address evolving civil, national security, and commercial needs. It expands eligibility for grants to include state and local governments, airport authorities, and tax-supported organizations, allowing more entities to modernize spaceports and related facilities. The bill raises the federal funding cap for projects to 90% of total costs, with flexibility for waivers if deemed critical to national interests. It also mandates a comprehensive report evaluating space transportation demand, funding strategies, and international capabilities, ensuring long-term planning aligns with U.S. space policy goals. By authorizing $10 million annually for these grants and streamlining collaboration between agencies like NASA, the Pentagon, and the Department of Commerce, the Act aims to strengthen infrastructure resilience and support the growing space industry. ## Key Points - Expanded Definition of "Public Agency": Includes state and local governments, airport authorities, and tax-supported organizations, broadening access to grants for infrastructure projects. - Increased Federal Grant Flexibility: Caps grants at 90% of project costs (up from previous limits) and allows waivers for projects serving national interests. - Updated Eligibility Criteria: Projects must address civil, national security, and commercial space transportation needs, with input from federal agencies like Defense, NASA, and Commerce. - Mandatory Reporting Requirements: Requires a report within 2 years (and updates every 4 years) assessing space transportation demand, funding options, and international competitiveness. - Funding Authorization: Sets a permanent annual authorization of $10 million for the grant program, ensuring consistent financial support for infrastructure modernization. ## Impact Areas - Spaceport Operators and Infrastructure Developers: Gains expanded access to federal funding for upgrades, particularly benefiting commercial and government launch sites. - Federal Agencies (NASA, Pentagon, Commerce): Increases interagency collaboration to align infrastructure projects with national priorities. - Commercial Space Industry: Supports growth by addressing infrastructure gaps and enhancing global competitiveness through modernized facilities and policy recommendations.