June 24, 2010

Allard Beutel Kennedy Space Center, Fla 321-867-2468 allard beutel@nasa gov

Doc Mirelson Headquarters, Washington 202-358-4495 doc mirelson@nasa gov

John Atwood Department of Commerce 202-482-4085 jatwood@eda doc gov

RELEASE: 10-152

SPACE ECONOMIC TASK FORCE SEEKS FLORIDA PUBLIC COMMENTS

WASHINGTON -- The Task Force on Space Industry Workforce and Economic Development has launched an interactive Web site to encourage public comment on ways to promote economic growth and sustainability in Florida's Space Coast region as it adapts to changes in America's space program

The site offers valuable information about the work the administration is doing to create jobs in the region by fostering a more supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem

"We consider the new interactive Web site an important tool to understand public concerns and challenges about the economic growth and well being of Florida's Space Coast," said Woodrow Whitlow, NASA's associate administrator for the Mission Support Directorate in Washington "This tool and our other outreach efforts will help the task force prepare recommendations for the president that reflect the greatest needs and concerns of both the public and the area's aerospace-related industries "

On May 3, President Obama issued a presidential memorandum establishing the task force NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke are co-chairing the effort

"President Obama is committed to helping Florida's Space Coast adapt and thrive in the years ahead," said U S Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development John Fernandez "The work of the task force adds to this administration's unprecedented level of transparency, and ensures public trust, participation and confidence Our efforts depend on the participation of local stakeholders who will ultimately devise and implement a bottom-up, regionally driven strategic plan "

The task force will review all input Comments can be shared at:

http://www nasa gov/spacecoasttaskforce

The task force's mission is to develop an interagency strategic action plan to enhance economic development along Florida's Space Coast and related areas Plans will include recommendations to ensure the region is equipped to adapt to changes in local economies resulting from developments in America's space program

Among these recommendations will be a strategic investment plan for $40 million in new federal funding for the Space Coast region that the president included in his 2011 budget request The task force will present the plan to the president by Aug 15

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www nasa gov

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