LAS CRUCES, N.M. – Spaceport America’s finances,  and a still unbuilt southern access road, were big topics Monday when a New Mexico legislature finance committee met at the Pan Am Center in Las Cruces.

More than 90 percent of the price tag thus far has been borne by Dona Ana County, yet one state senator pointed out there still isn’t a road leading to the spaceport from Dona Ana County.

“I think we are definitely setting the pace for the rest of the industry,” said Christine Anderson, executive director of the Spaceport.

With more than $218 million spent thus far, Anderson is confident New Mexico’s spaceport is ahead of any other venture of its kind.

“For Virgin Galactic, the assumption was they would start commercial flights in June. We will be thrilled if they come earlier,” Anderson said.

Next March Space X, one of the Spaceport’s two permanent tenants, is expected to conduct its flight test.

In April 2016, the New Mexico State University visitor experience is projected to open.

Then sometime during fiscal year 2016, Anderson says a new tenant is expected to begin flights.

Senator Joseph Cervantes of Dona Ana County says 94 percent of that gross receipts revenue comes from Dona Ana County residents.

Read more here: http://www.kvia.com/news/spaceport-and-its-relationship-to-dona-ana-county-discussed-at-nm-finance-committee-meeting/29244612