Includes $34 Million For Launch Complex Improvements

The $83.5 billion budget proposed this week by Florida Governor Rick Scott (R) could mean a boost for Jeff Bezos (pictured) and Blue Origin.

Florida Today reports that the budget for fiscal year 2017-18 includes millions for improvements to launch complexes in the state to "help attract more commercial activity to the area."

Space Florida confirmed that one of the line items in the budget recommends $17 million from the Florida DOT to prepare Launch Complex 36 for use by Blue Origin. The complex is owned by the state, and last saw a rocket on the pad in 2005.

Blue Origin will match the state's figure, making the total investment $34 million.

State and local agencies have already poured $18 million into the construction of a 750,000 square foot Blue Origin facility where the company will manufacture the stages for the company's New Glenn rockets designed for both manned and unmanned missions.

The budget also includes $19.5 million for Space Florida, which is consistent with its current budget.

The budget must be approved by the state legislature, which opens its two-month session in March in Tallahassee, FL.

(Image from file)

FMI:  www.floridafirstbudget.com/HomeFY18.htm