Lawmakers question Spaceport America’s financial outlook

State lawmakers are still asking questions about the financial outlook of the nearly half-billion-dollar, taxpayer-financed spaceport in the desert of southern New Mexico.

Spaceport Authority Executive Director Christine Anderson updated the Legislative Finance Committee on Spaceport America during a meeting in Alamogordo on Wednesday.

The spaceport had ramped up operations in anticipation of commercial launches this year, but crashes of test vehicles and rockets in recent years have stalled plans by Virgin Galactic, SpaceX and Armadillo Aerospace.

Spaceport America survived last year on balances from past revenue, but legislative analysts say those balances have run out. The spaceport did receive some general funds during 2015 legislative session.

Analysts also suggested the spaceport is possibly overspending on security and firefighter services, with staffing levels exceeding state and federal requirements.