Back in the fall, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a new schedule for their final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Spaceport Camden project, now expected by March. The new timeline was related to an application revision submitted by Camden County changing from a medium-rocket facility to one that launches small-lift rockets.
In the meantime, the Coastal Resources Division (CRD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued an extension for its public comment period to March 8 (this being a story that has to do with space, there are an interminable number of acronyms of government agencies involved). The public comment relates to the Coastal Consistency Certification Launch Site Operators License from the county commission. The CRD, with the public comment as part of its mission, is reviewing the project to ensure it is consistent with state environmental statutes.
The project is a potential economic development boon for Camden County, taking over an abandoned munitions plant owned by Dow Chemical. The privatized launch site would bring in plenty of new construction jobs and help to diversify an economically isolated area.
A study from Georgia Southern University in the fall estimated that just one launch might bring in as many as 5,000 visitors to the area and the county could see a boost of $3.6 million in sales per launch. It further estimated that approximately 40 long-term jobs could be created.
“Building Spaceport Camden could bolster additional spending in the area’s hospitality industry throughout Camden County and the southeast Georgia region,” said Benjamin McKay, Assistant Director for the Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research (CBAER). “The potential per-launch benefit to total employee compensation (Labor Income) could reach $1.1 million, with sizeable increases in the total goods and services used in the region (Gross Regional Product) and total business sales (Output).”
The proposed site is conveniently located near I-95 but environmentalists point out this means it is also located a mere four miles from the Cumberland Island National Seashore. The Georgia Conservancy has been actively opposing the project with Cumberland Island and a number of other areas as part of their concern. The project would border Saint Andrews Sound, which reaches several beloved Georgia islands, including Jekyll and Raccoon Key.
In comments submitted to the DNR, the Conservancy points out a number of the issues that the project’s unique location raises. Previous filings have shown a possibility of up to 12 launches per year and would require closure of certain locations within Cumberland Island. Notice of the closures could range from as much as one month to as little as three days prior to launch. Closures would also impact portions of the aforementioned St. Andrews Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway. Not only is it immediately adjacent to Cumberland Island but it is also in close proximity to the Kings Bay Submarine Base – something the U.S. Navy is not exactly enthused about.
To learn more and submit public comment: https://coastalgadnr.org/Spaceport
