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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
July 26, 2010 |
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Contact Information:
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Austin Marks
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Congress Advances NASA Legislation Through
Senate Committee Actions
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Earlier this month the Senate Commerce Committee passed the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2010, through bi-partisan efforts of the committee leadership, and strong support across Southern states that have high interest in the aerospace sector,
such as Louisiana. Subsequently, the Senate Appropriations Committee adopted funding necessary to carry out the related NASA program of work. Combined, these legislative efforts set a new course for the future of the national space program, moving beyond the retiring space shuttle program. Both
Louisiana Senators were very instrumental to the process and early momentum.
The legislative action was eagerly anticipated in the Greater New Orleans region, and is viewed as a positive first step toward bolstering the aerospace business activities at the NASA Michoud facility. It appears to be a good balance of research and manufacturing interests, while accelerating
production of the next generation of space vehicles, ideal for Michoud's capacity.
Michael Hecht, President & CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc., the regional economic alliance states, "We are thankful to both our Senators for their effective leadership, to Senator Vitter for his active role in negotiating a workable measure as the ranking member of the Commerce Space and Science
Sub-committee, and to Senator Landrieu for championing the cause through Appropriations, where she serves on the Commerce, Justice and Science Sub-committee (CJS). The NASA Reauthorization bill and corresponding funding gives our community great hope about the vitality of the aerospace sector for
our region long term."
Since 1960 the NASA Michoud campus has been an integral part of the US Space Program and national asset. Prior to the recent downturn, the Michoud Manufacturing Assembly Facility was operating at a 2,900 employment level, planned to phase down to about 1,000 with the shuttle phase out. When the
reauthorization legislation is fully enacted, the hope is that the Michoud facility will steadily return to more significant employment levels over the next five years, as the campus is also diversified through business development opportunities, building upon the aerospace base.
"With this bipartisan reauthorization bill, we're not only going to start making the changes we need to save Michoud, we're going to ensure these jobs stay in Louisiana and bring NASA back in line with its original mission as the world's leader in manned space flight," said Senator David Vitter -
R, Louisiana. "This bill is a common-sense solution that will benefit Louisiana and help secure the future of manned space flight. Louisiana has long played an integral role in supporting NASA, and our plan will continue that relationship for the foreseeable future."
Critical to Michoud's continued role are specific provisions of the reauthorization legislation: ensuring the Orion crew vehicle is maintained and fully developed for deep space missions, directing NASA to begin the refurbishment of ET-94, the Space Shuttle external fuel tank stored at Michoud that
was damaged during Hurricane Katrina, requiring NASA to move ahead with a heavy-lift launch vehicle development immediately, and using existing shuttle and Constellation program parts and technology, to be operational by the end of 2016. These provisions will save hundreds of jobs short term and
potentially grow thousands long term through direct jobs and indirect suppliers.
The news of the Senate legislation has quickly created excitement throughout the business community.
"Michoud is a significant component of our local economy, and serves as a focal point in the I-10 Technology Corridor of St. Tammany Parish," said Brenda Reine Bertus, Executive Director of St. Tammany Economic Development Foundation. "Technology-based businesses continue to move into our area as a
direct result of NASA's presence in the market, bringing high-paying jobs and quality growth."
"The strength of the aerospace sector is important to the vitality of the Southeast Super-Region and the state of Louisiana, contributing more than $656 million to the state's economy, with over $120 million in Greater New Orleans and the Capital Region alone," said Adam Knapp, president and CEO of
the Baton Rouge Area Chamber (BRAC). "BRAC is encouraged by the introduction of this important legislation and, along with GNO, Inc., looks forward to the act receiving the full support of the state's congressional delegation."
The CJS Appropriations Bill includes $3 billion for NASA that will help to keep jobs at the Michoud facility in New Orleans East. Senator Mary Landrieu - D, Senior Senator of Louisiana, emphasizes, "The funding secured for NASA will ensure that America remains the world leader in manned spaceflight
by jumpstarting the development and construction of a new Heavy Lift Vehicle, while also continuing the development of the Orion Crew Capsule. This is not only great news for the direction of the space program but will ensure that NASA's skilled workforces, in locations like Michoud, will be able to
resume work on a NASA-built Heavy Lift Vehicle in the near-term."
Going forward, GNO, Inc. will be garnering the support of allies throughout the region and across state lines to advocate for Congressional solutions that bolster the NASA program long term, while maintaining a solid pipeline of jobs for our local economies, states Dale Benoit, Chairman of Public
Policy for GNO, Inc.
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About Greater New Orleans, Inc.
The GNO, Inc. Mission is to serve as the catalyst for wealth creation in the Greater New Orleans region. GNO, Inc. will accomplish this by pursuing an aggressive agenda of business development - marketing the region - and product development - improving regional business conditions through
policy, workforce and research initiatives.
The GNO, Inc. Vision is for the Greater New Orleans region to fulfill its potential as one of the best places in the country to grow a company, and raise a family. The ultimate indication of success for GNO, Inc. will be the presence of a robust and growing middle class in southeastern Louisiana.
More information can be found at www.gnoinc.org.
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365 Canal Street, Suite 2300, New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 504.527.6900
Fax: 504.527.6970
www.gnoinc.org
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