Federal and State lawmakers weigh in on Space Command moving to Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Space Command is coming to the Rocket City, and state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle said they are thrilled.

“You don’t move the rocket off the launch pad, and you don’t move Space Command out of the rocket city,” Representative Andy Whitt, (R) Harvest, said.

“Huntsville, Alabama, has a strong foundation,” Representative Anthony Daniels, (D) Huntsville, said. “We’re providing the workforce and training the workforce. and we have a large military presence and defense presence here in our community.”

That excitement is shared by U.S. Congressman Dale Strong, who even thanked President Trump on behalf of the 5th Congressional District for sticking to his word.

Strong has long advocated for Space Command to move to Huntsville, and said one reason is that the move would save taxpayer dollars. Colorado lawmakers, where Space Command is currently, said this move is a waste of money on Tuesday.

“The reports that say this will save $426 million,” Rep. Strong told News 19. “The cost to construct in Alabama is more favorable. The cost to maintain is more favorable. We’ve got a talent pool to pick from. That’s something you don’t have in Colorado.”

While Rep. Strong could not provide a schedule for when construction will start, he did say that Space Command will not move into a non-permanent building. This means it could be years before it is officially here.

“My understanding, at this time, we’re not going to do a non-permanent building. What we’re going to do is push immediately,” Rep. Strong said. “The funding is there. We need to go vertical. It’s my understanding that site prep is ready to roll. Design is complete, is my understanding.”

Rep. Strong said President Trump does not want to move Space Command again, so officials are being thoughtful about this construction. He did not provide details on when they could break ground on Redstone Arsenal.

Strong continued that this move will bring around 1,600 jobs to the area, and that he will work with local and state agencies to address any issues the growth brings.