SpaceX the Alan Notes

Today SpaceX broke ground for the development of their new Texas spaceport at Boca Chica Beach. Along with CEO Elon Musk, Texas Governor Rick Perry and other dignitaries were in attendance.

The following are statements from the assembled dignitaries:

Elon Musk - CEO & Chief Designer, SpaceX

"We appreciate the leadership of Governor Rick Perry and numerous other federal, state and local leaders who have helped make it possible for SpaceX to build the world's first commercial launch complex designed specifically for orbital missions. With today's groundbreaking at Boca Chica Beach, we will begin an investment in South Texas that will create hundreds of jobs and over time contribute hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy."

Governor Rick Perry

"This announcement represents a huge step forward for our state and continues our nation's proud legacy of scientific advancement, " Gov. Perry said. "It builds upon our pioneer heritage, our tradition of thinking bigger, dreaming bolder, and daring to do the impossible. SpaceX is the latest in a long line of forward-thinking companies that have made Texas home, and I couldn't be prouder to help break ground on this revolutionary new facility."

Senator Eddie Luico, Jr. (District 27)

As a member of the Senate Finance Committee, Sen. Lucio worked with the Governor's office to allocate up to $15 million in the state's budget, contingent upon SpaceX locating a spaceport in Texas. Sen. Lucio was also the Senate sponsor for House Bill 2623 by Rep. Rene Oliveira, which ensures the public's right to beach access while also providing a way to protect public safety during SpaceX launches.

Senator Lucio's statement follows:

"Today's groundbreaking is historic. It signifies the construction of a new industry and a new future for the Rio Grande Valley. SpaceX's launch site will soon become an invaluable economic driver for South Texas. With this site comes tens of millions of dollars in capital investment in our community annually, and hundreds of well-paying jobs over the next decade. We've set up South Texas as a future leader in developing bleeding-edge space technology which will influence future commerce for the whole planet.

"I hope the new launch site will propel a dramatic culture change in our region of the state, encouraging more of our children to pursue careers in engineering and science. Future generation of South Texas residents will look to this site and know that not even the sky is the limit for where their dreams may take them."

University of Texas at Brownsville

"SpaceX has been an impressive company to work with through the entire site selection process. They have looked for ways to engage university faculty, our students and our commercialization programs. Clearly the SpaceX team understands the power of collaboration with the regional community and the University of Texas." - Irv Downing, Vice President of Economic Development and Institutional Advancement

Brownsville Economic Development Council

"The SpaceX deal significantly changed the philosophy of Brownsville leadership, interagency collaboration and partnerships between the public sector, private industry and higher education in the quest of creating economic vitality, and not waiting for it, " said Jason Hilts, President & CEO of the Brownsville Economic Development Council.