Governor Kemp Signs HB 1489
Governor Brian Kemp has taken significant action in response to Camden County voters by signing into law HB 1489. This legislation, the second initiative led by Representative Steven Sainz since the pivotal 2022 referendum, reflects the strong sentiment that taxpayer dollars should not fund the contentious spaceport project. Representative Sainz had previously introduced similar legislation in 2022, but it did not advance through the legislative process.
Developments Surrounding the Spaceport Project
The enactment of HB 1489 follows several developments regarding the spaceport project. At the regular meeting on March 5, 2024, the Camden County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution to dissolve the Camden County Spaceport Authority. This decision aligns with the guidelines outlined in the Camden County Spaceport Authority Act. Since their appointment in March 2022, members of the Spaceport Authority remained inactive, with no meetings convened and little progress made on the project.
Aligning with Voter Sentiment
Representative Sainz’s legislative efforts closely match the sentiments expressed by the electorate. In his statement, he emphasized Camden County voters’ clear disinterest in allocating taxpayer dollars toward the spaceport venture. With HB 1489 now law, the state plans to redirect financial resources away from the project, demonstrating responsiveness to constituents’ concerns.
Financial Implications for Camden County
Camden County has spent over ten million dollars on the now-defunct spaceport. Local resident Susan, from Woodbine, expressed a desire to see funds used for county needs, such as building a new jail. The spaceport’s future remains uncertain. Commissioner Goodman has called for the County to surrender its FAA license, but no other commissioners supported his motion, suggesting that the remaining four may be open to using the license in the future. When asked for a comment, Goodman said, “Just glad to see it put to rest.”
