Bill > HR5447

This bill, known as the Spaceport Project Opportunities for Resilient Transportation (SPACEPORT) Act, modifies existing laws regarding space transportation infrastructure grants by expanding the definition of "public agency" to include state agencies, political subdivisions, airport authorities, and tax-support organizations. The bill allows the Secretary of Transportation to make project grants covering up to 90% of total project costs, with the ability to waive this limit if deemed in the national interest. It broadens the eligibility criteria for grants to include civil, national security, and commercial space transportation needs, and requires the Secretary to develop specific evaluation criteria in consultation with other government agencies like the Department of Defense and NASA. The bill mandates a comprehensive report to Congress within two years, evaluating space transportation service demand, providing policy recommendations, examining funding options, and assessing international space transportation capabilities. Additionally, the bill authorizes appropriations of up to $10 million annually for these grants and makes technical amendments to the chapter heading and terminology. The overall goal is to enhance and modernize space transportation infrastructure in the United States by providing more flexible and strategic grant opportunities.

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https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5447/all-info