New Mexico To Get a Spaceport...
...in exchange for increased taxes
by Carol Pinchefsky
by Carol Pinchefsky
The state of New Mexico is about to get its first spaceport. But in order for it to be built, this BBC article notes that the county of Dona Ana will pay for it by increasing taxes.
According to the county web site "the new ¼ of 1 percent tax to support infrastructure development at Spaceport America north of Las Cruces will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2008."
Although many voted against the tax, preferring instead to contribute to local services, rather than to subsidize a luxury for the rich. However, this should be seen as an investment in the future of the state's economy. The first customers may well be the rich, as detractors of the initiative have pointed out. Ultimately, this will increase local opportunities for investment and employment.
Dona Ana County is the second most populous county in New Mexico. It shares a border with Mexico.
The state of New Mexico is about to get its first spaceport. But in order for it to be built, this BBC article notes that the county of Dona Ana will pay for it by increasing taxes.
According to the county web site "the new ¼ of 1 percent tax to support infrastructure development at Spaceport America north of Las Cruces will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2008."
Although many voted against the tax, preferring instead to contribute to local services, rather than to subsidize a luxury for the rich. However, this should be seen as an investment in the future of the state's economy. The first customers may well be the rich, as detractors of the initiative have pointed out. Ultimately, this will increase local opportunities for investment and employment.
Dona Ana County is the second most populous county in New Mexico. It shares a border with Mexico.
