Kristine Logan’s Testimony in Support of LD 2092, Resolve, To Establish the Maine Spaceport Complex Leadership Council
Senator Herbig, Rep. Daughtry, and members of the Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement, and Business. My name is Kristine Logan. I am the Deputy Director of Innovation and Development at the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, which has the responsibility of redeveloping the former Naval Air Station in Brunswick and I’m here to speak in support of LD 2092.
bluShift Aerospace, a rocket engine manufacturer specializing in propulsion systems powered by biofuel designed for cube satellite launches, is based at Brunswick Landing.
For the past 15 years I have worked to support Maine companies and those looking to relocate here. In large, these businesses received assistance in their efforts to grow and be successful in Maine’s legacy industries …farming, fishing, and forestry…and their derivative businesses. While we have done a good job in keeping many of those industries flourishing, there is room for more. There is room for new. There is room for invention. Maine has the ability and capacity to excel in new, innovative industries that can add great value and depth to the work and opportunities that can be found in our great State. When the possibility of a Maine Spaceport was first mentioned, we were curious and intrigued. What an exciting new industry for Maine to be involved in.
At the Brunswick Landing, the name given to the former the NAS Brunswick property, we are actively working to redevelop the property to support Maine’s future economy. We are reaching out to companies that have new ideas and new technologies, who are leading the way in their industries, and we look to give them reason to bring their business to Maine. We look to uncover the next big idea, or emerging technology, or the industry with the greatest growth potential… and then we figure out what we need to do now to prepare for the industries and opportunities of the future. Space is one of those exciting and opportunistic industries that fits perfectly into the Master Reuse Plan for the Brunswick Landing. Currently, the Brunswick Landing campus has an operations/mission control facility, a secured classified information facility (SCIF), a technology business incubator (TechPlace), an FAA certified all-weather airport with two 8,000 foot runways, 100% green 3 phase power on an islanded microgrid, and high-grade broadband …all which make it uniquely qualified to support and incorporate the developing spaceport mission.
LD 2092 seeks to establish the Maine Spaceport Complex Leadership Council to lead our State in the development and implementation of a spaceport complex. What we love about this project is its collaboration. It brings together numerous bright minds, public and private entities in the aerospace industry, and our local, state, and federal governments to discuss how Maine can become a big player in the emerging nanosatellite industry and be the driver behind new aerospace technology. Some ask why Maine? We are asking… why not Maine?
I thank you for your consideration of this exciting new industry for Maine and ask that you support the formation of the Maine Spaceport Complex Leadership Council. We truly believe in the positive economic impact that this opportunity can bring to the people of Maine.
