Elon Musk has a big promise for Vermilion Parish.
“We’re preparing to build a spaceport that, until now, has only existed in science fiction,” the SpaceX CEO said.
“SpaceX was founded to bring about a future where humans are out exploring amongst the stars,” Musk said, “which will only be possible when we make going to space as routine as flying on an airplane.”
”Starbase, Louisiana will unlock that future.”
The statement appears on Louisiana Economic Development’s official page for the project, alongside one from Gov. Jeff Landry thanking SpaceX “for believing in Louisiana.”
What the state says will be built
According to LED’s page:
- The largest spaceport in the world, built to handle thousands of launches a year.
- Five launch complexes, each with two pads, at full buildout, plus propellant storage, a plant to make rocket propellant, and employee housing.
- Construction starting by the end of 2027, with the first launch targeted as soon as 2029.
- 3,000 direct jobs over 10 years at an average salary of $92,600, and about 8,100 indirect jobs.
- $20 million up front and at least $25 million a year for 25 years to local taxing bodies under the payment-in-lieu-of-taxes deal, more than $825 million in all.
- A $25 million gift from SpaceX to the Community Foundation of Acadiana.
What is still open
The same page says road and bridge needs are still being studied, with improvements to LA 82 under review and “some cost sharing” expected between the state and SpaceX. It says SpaceX will pay for new power generation and grid upgrades so current electric customers are not hurt, and that the project still needs its environmental, wetlands and launch approvals.
Confidential state records published this week also showed an early LED briefing listing “a new city in Vermilion Parish” among the needs to win the project. The Times has asked LED about it. [Read that story.](/news/spacex-new-city-vermilion-parish-project-osprey-records/)
Follow every development on the Times’ [Starbase Watch page](/starbase/).