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119-s-2888119th CongressWALLET

SPACEPORT Act

Sponsored By: Senator Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]

Introduced

Summary

Expands and clarifies grants for space transportation infrastructure modernization. The bill would reshape who can get federal help, set cost‑share rules, require planning reports, and authorize yearly funding for grants.

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  • State and local governments, airport authorities, and tax‑supported organizations would be explicitly eligible to apply for space transportation infrastructure grants.
  • Grants would generally cover up to 90% of a project's cost, with the Secretary able to waive that cap when a higher federal share is deemed in the national interest.
  • The Department of Transportation would have to deliver a report within 2 years assessing domestic and international demand, funding options, policy recommendations, and effects on launch and reentry at Government ranges, then update that assessment at year 6 and every 4 years after.

*Authorizes up to $10.0 million per year to be appropriated for grants under this chapter.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Limits federal share and $10 million cap

If enacted, the Transportation Secretary would limit project grants so the federal share cannot exceed 90% of a project's cost. The Secretary could waive the 90% rule if a waiver is determined to be in the national interest. The bill would also authorize up to $10,000,000 to be appropriated each fiscal year for grants under this chapter. If no waiver is granted, public agencies would need to provide the remaining project money.

New eligibility and project scoring

If enacted, the bill would define 'public agency' to include States, state agencies, political subdivisions, airport authorities, and tax-supported organizations for the grant program. The Transportation Secretary would revise project evaluation rules to focus on civil, national security, and commercial space transportation needs. The Secretary must also consider a project's impact on launch and re-entry operations at Government launch ranges. The Secretary would consult with the Secretary of Defense, NASA, the Secretary of Commerce, and other agency heads when making the selection criteria.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]

CO • D

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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