STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – State Representatives Justin Wilmeth and Michele Peña, along with Senator Tim Dunn, provided a letter of commitment to the Southwest Regional Aerospace Innovation Alliance’s pending application to the National Science Foundation (NSF) for funding to develop Yuma as the nation’s next commercial and industrial spaceport. The letter has been included in the Alliance’s proposal, which will be submitted along with its full application to the NSF.
“With the new Trump administration prioritizing spaceflight and economic expansion, Arizona is ready to play a leading role,” said Representative Wilmeth. “House Republicans urge state and federal officials to support the Alliance’s NSF application, ensuring long-term investment in space exploration and economic growth. Arizona has an opportunity to help drive American innovation and prosperity.”
Representative Wilmeth sponsored HB2254 last year, establishing the Arizona Space Commission to attract and promote space commerce in the state.
“Yuma is the ideal location for the next spaceport, offering advantages unmatched by any coastal alternative,” said Representative Peña. “With optimal weather, proximity to military and defense assets, pro-business policies, a skilled workforce, and exclusive launch directionality over the Sea of Cortez, it is the smartest and most efficient choice.”
Creation of a Yuma-based spaceport would strengthen national security, boost economic growth, and drive advancements in space exploration. According to the Alliance, a Yuma Spaceport would generate $2 billion in annual economic activity, create thousands of jobs, and establish a strategic hub for commercial space launches and innovation—consistent with advancing economic priorities outlined in the House Republican Majority Plan.
“Yuma continues to be leaders in innovation,” said Senator Dunn. “I ran the enabling legislation several years ago and am proud to support this collaboration and encourage its selection.”