KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL - Today, a conduit financing package was approved by the Space Florida Board of Directors to reassign the lease for Launch Complex 41 (LC-41) to United Launch Alliance. Florida Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp signed the resolution during today's meeting of the Space Florida Board that ensures no aerospace jobs at United Launch Alliance will be lost when the shuttle stops flying in 2010.
AUDIO: LISTEN TO TODAY'S SPACE FLORIDA PRESS CONFERENCE The renovation and upgrade of the launch complex infrastructure was originally funded by the State of Florida and completed for use by Lockheed Martin under the company's Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle contract with the U.S. Air Force. In 2005, Lockheed and Boeing formed United Launch Alliance, a joint venture that operates government space launch systems, including the Atlas V rockets that currently launch from LC-41. Under the agreement, the lease will be transferred to United Launch Alliance, and the Atlas V mission will continue to utilize Complex 41 to provide launch services on its Atlas V in support of the Air Force and NASA. The action was urgent because the company must soon negotiate a new lease with the Air Force and could not proceed with Lockheed's name on the paperwork. ULA employs approximately 750 people in the Cape area. Space Florida President Frank DiBello said during a news conference that no jobs were ever in jeopardy, but the deal secures those jobs. "Essentially we changed out the financial organizations involved," said DiBello, who took over as interim president of Space Florida last month. "So there were a series of loan agreements and lease transfer documents that had to be put in place." Kottkamp said the agreement was made at lightning speed and shows "we can act very quickly when necessary." "It was a display of the rapidity and effectiveness of the tools we have in our statue," DiBello said. "It was a display of responsiveness to the industry when they had a need." “The space industry is critical to Florida's economy and benefits the well-being of all the people of Florida,” said Governor Charlie Crist. “Today's announcement demonstrates Florida's ability to rapidly address the needs of our business partners and their workforce to ensure the continued economic health of our state.” The lease has multiple renewal periods built in, enabling utilization of the property under the current agreement until 2021. “One of our key priorities is to develop and execute programs designed to retain and expand space industry business in Florida, while maintaining the critical workforce and their skill sets required for the state's next-generation space programs,” noted ottkamp, who serves as Space Florida Co-Chairman of the Board. “A business deal of this significance demonstrates Space Florida's capability to leverage finance and tax benefits when conducting business with customers that will ensure the maintenance and robust growth of the aerospace industry in Florida.” “Through our enabling legislation, the State has empowered Space Florida with a number of tools that provide distinct benefits to space industry initiatives and spawn tomorrow's space industry economy throughout Florida,” said Space Florida Interim President Frank DiBello. “Space Florida's strong working relationships with companies such as ULA and Lockheed Martin help ensure the continued success of the Atlas rocket launches from Florida.” (The Spacearium / Space Media Corporation)
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