Members of Florida's Congressional Delegation Urge Orbital Science Corporation to Locate New Facilities at Cape Canaveral

Business Wire, May 23, 2008

Space Florida applauds delegation's crossing of party lines for the future of aerospace in the state and nation

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Following on a recent proposal from Space Florida on behalf of the state of Florida, today, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) and Sen. Mel Martinez (R), along with 18 additional members of the Florida congressional delegation, sent a letter to Orbital Sciences Corporation urging them to locate their facilities for the Commercial Orbital Transportation Project at Cape Canaveral in Florida.

"We applaud the united and bipartisan actions taken this week by the Florida delegation," stated Steve Kohler, President, Space Florida. "Our state legislature, also in united and bipartisan actions, recently dedicated significant support and funding to further develop space and aerospace here in Florida."

The letter follows broad support from state, county and local legislators, community leaders and state and local economic development organizations. The unified efforts demonstrate commitment to ensuring that the commercial aerospace industry has the optimal working environment in the state of Florida. For nearly 50 years Florida has supported the space industry and has recently committed to invest significant capital to upgrade existing launch infrastructure to support the commercial aerospace industry at Cape Canaveral.

"Space Florida is deeply committed to advancing the State's long-standing tradition and position in space and aerospace," added Kohler. "There are tremendous business opportunities here. We have submitted a very attractive proposal to Orbital, and are working aggressively with a host of other companies with the express intent to accommodate all the space interests across the broad spectrum."

The aerospace business environment, coupled with Florida's highly skilled workforce, tax policies favorable to the aerospace industry and world class universities make Cape Canaveral the ideal location for Orbital Sciences Corporation to build its partnership with NASA and further establish itself as an important participant in the future of the commercial space industry.

Led by Rep. Wasserman Schultz and Sen. Martinez, the letter was signed by 20 of the 27 members of the Florida congressional delegation:

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Rep. Corrine Brown (D)
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Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite (R)
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Rep. Kathy Castor (D)
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Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R)
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Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R)
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Rep. Tom Feeney (R)
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Rep. Alcee L. Hastings (D)
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Rep. Ric Keller, (R)
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Rep. Ron Klein (D)
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Rep. Tim Mahoney (D)
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Sen. Mel Martinez (R)
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Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D)
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Rep. John L. Mica (R)
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Rep. Jeff Miller (R)
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Rep. Illeana Ros-Lehtinen (R)
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Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D)
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Rep. Dave Weldon (R)
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Rep. Robert Wexler (D)

About Space Florida

Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida's position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida's aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive - and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed.

Space Florida is the public-private partnership responsible for promoting and developing Florida's aerospace industry. Space Florida was created by the Florida Legislature to sustain Florida's position as the global space leader.