Bill > S2888

This bill, known as the SPACEPORT Act (Spaceport Project Opportunities for Resilient Transportation Act), proposes several modifications to existing space transportation infrastructure grant regulations. The bill expands the definition of "public agency" to include state agencies, political subdivisions, airport authorities, and tax-supported organizations. It changes grant limitations by allowing the Secretary of Transportation to provide grants covering up to 90% of a project's total cost, with the ability to waive this limit if deemed in the national interest. The bill broadens the eligibility criteria for grants to encompass civil, national security, and commercial space transportation needs, and requires the Secretary of Transportation to develop specific project evaluation criteria in consultation with other government agencies like the Department of Defense and NASA. Additionally, the bill mandates a comprehensive report to Congress within two years, evaluating space transportation service demand, recommending policy improvements, examining funding options, and assessing international space transportation capabilities. The legislation also authorizes up to $10 million in annual appropriations for these grants and makes technical amendments to the chapter heading and related documentation. These changes aim to modernize and support the United States' space transportation infrastructure and maintain its competitive edge in the global space industry.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2888/all-info