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Space Gets More Money in State Budget

May 7, 2013 | WMFE - Florida's new $74 billion state budget allocates more money toward space.

Dale Ketcham is director of spaceport research and technology at the University of Central Florida. He says the industry is focused on expanding statewide.

"We've been doing very well on the Space Coast. But the tax money that we're given comes from Pensacola and Naples and Homestead, and we have obligations to take care, use the tools that the Legislature has given us to bring economic activity across the state as well."

The Space Coast's economy has slumped since the shuttle program ended in 2011. Ketcham says the funding also will go toward transitioning Kennedy Space Center from the shuttle program to new aerospace activities, like commercial space flight.

The state budget puts nearly $20 million toward space. The Florida Legislature adopted the record-sized budget Friday before adjoining their annual session.   

 

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