Ground is broken for Spaceport America

Monday, July 13, 2009

LAS CRUCES, NM – The New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) has selected two contractors to provide services for the construction of Spaceport America, the world's first purpose-built commercial spaceport that is now being built in southern New Mexico. After reviewing proposals from several contractors, the NMSA Board of Directors awarded construction of the airfield to David Montoya Construction, Inc. The board also awarded the Site Enabling contract to FNF New Mexico, LLC. The airfield for Spaceport America is a 10,000-foot runway designed to accommodate horizontal launch space and air operations that complement the existing vertical launch infrastructure. David Montoya Construction, Inc., of Alameda, NM, has provided construction services on many large-scale projects since being established in 1985. The company has provided similar concrete paving services for Albuquerque International Airport and Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo. David Montoya Construction, Inc., is recognized by the Hispanic Business Magazine as one of the top 500 Hispanicowned businesses in the United States.

FNF New Mexico, LLC, of Albuquerque, NM, has extensive experience in large-scale construction projects including airports and highway construction. FNF will design and execute a plan to facilitate the construction of the spaceport. The activities include preparing the site for construction and coordination with all contractors for site security, dust control, and other crucial functions. Less than one month after the groundbreaking of Spaceport America, NMSA officials are excited by the current pace of development. "Spaceport America is fully underway, and we continue to make rapid progress," said Steve Landeene, Executive Director for the NMSA. "NMSA will continue to issue Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Invitations to Bid (ITB) for more services and construction at the spaceport, and awarding contracts to the best qualified contractors." The latest RFP/ITB information can be found online at www.spaceportamerica.com

Gerald Martin Construction Management and HDR of Albuquerque, NM, were awarded a contract in 2008 to oversee the spaceport's construction phase for the NMSA. After marking the official groundbreaking ceremony for Spaceport America on Friday, June 19, officials are moving forward with the construction of the airfield. Spaceport America plans to have the 10,000-foot airfield complete by late summer 2010 with the Terminal Hangar Facility projected to be complete by early 2011.