Locals Want Spaceport Camden Land Deal Put to Referendum

Camden County, Georgia residents opposed to the Spaceport's construction have missed out on their request for a restraining order to prevent the continuation of the spaceport.

The order would have prevented the closure of a deal that will see Camden County purchase more land for the port's development from Union carbide.  The hearing to determine the validity of their restraining order has been delayed due to an illness by the overseeing judge. 

The hearing has been moved to January 11th, where the chief superior court judge for the Brunswick Judicial Circuit will hear from parties representing residents who want to see the purchase put to a voter referendum. County officials have noted that $11 million has already been sunk into Spaceport Camden, and aborting the purchase now would put that all to waste. Most importantly, the FAA has already approved the Record of Decision needed to obtain a launch site operation license. 

The fight stems from local opposition to space launch operations in the vicinity, which some say lies too close to settlements, homes, and environmentally sensitive areas. They contend that safety approvals have so far been only theoretically tested, and final launch approval from the FAA is not guaranteed. Camden County sees the project as a vital toehold into the commercial space industry, bringing much-needed economic stimulus to the region and often white-collar, high paying careers. The time is right for those looking to establish a strong spacefaring foundation, and Camden will be one of only two Atlantic launch points with more economical, ecological launches.

FMI: www.spaceportcamden.us