By KRWG News
Las Cruces – A New Mexico spaceport official wants $7.5 million to pave a southern road to the facility, a route that would reduce travel time from Las Cruces.
Spaceport director Steve Landeene says money for the project was authorized with 2006 legislation approving the spaceport. But he says it never was included in a budget bill, a second step for the funding to be appropriated.
Landeene plans to lobby for the funding during next month's legislative session. He calls the road a "critical need."
Currently, the trip takes about 90 minutes from Las Cruces. A paved road cut could that in half.
The funding request comes amid a state budget deficit. Gov. Bill Richardson and legislators are looking to recall about $150 million in previously appropriated capital outlay dollars.
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Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.