SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 26

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2018

INTRODUCED BY

William F. Burt

 

 

 

 

 

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING CREATION OF A STATEWIDE TASK FORCE TO FORMULATE AND PROPOSE A MARKETING PLAN AND BUDGET TO PUBLICIZE VIRGIN GALACTIC'S INAUGURAL SUBORBITAL SPACE FLIGHT.

 

     WHEREAS, New Mexico is host to spaceport America, the first purpose-built commercial spaceport; and

     WHEREAS, spaceport America is a major generator of

space operations, educational programs and tourism,

contributing significantly to the economy of southern New

Mexico and the entire state; and

     WHEREAS, Virgin Galactic plans to launch its inaugural suborbital space flight from spaceport America; and

     WHEREAS, the Virgin Galactic flight represents a momentous event in the history of manned spaceflight and a unique opportunity to promote spaceport America and tourism in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, no comprehensive statewide plan has been formulated to maximize the potential economic and social benefits presented by the event; and

     WHEREAS, the relevant agencies and organizations should work together cooperatively and utilize their collective and individual resources to maximize the benefits presented by this unique opportunity;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the ambassadors for spaceport America be requested to convene a task force to assess the opportunities for promoting spaceport America and tourism presented by the Virgin Galactic flight; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force include:

          A. the secretary of tourism;

          B. the secretary of economic development;

          C. the executive director of the spaceport authority;

          D. a representative of the New Mexico hospitality association;

          E. the regional chair for each tourism department regional marketing board; and

          F. additional members as the ambassadors for spaceport America determine to be appropriate; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force be requested to formulate and present a proposed marketing plan and budget to maximize the opportunities offered by the Virgin Galactic flight to the appropriate interim legislative committee in July 2018; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the ambassadors for spaceport America, the secretary of tourism, the secretary of economic development, the executive director of the spaceport authority and the New Mexico hospitality association.

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