“This spaceport has a great opportunity to build upon what we’re doing here to develop the aviation innovation hub,” said Moore. “This broadens our tourism product. This gives us a chance to create quality economic development opportunity around our aviation innovation hub while also broadening and diversifying our tourism product.”

The SJTA executive director would be a member of the commission, while the governor would be responsible for appointing the remaining eight members. Among the provisions for appointed members: One would be an expert in federal aviation regulation, preferably with current or past experience at the tech center; one would have a background in higher education associated with Stockton University and the aviation park; one would have expertise in aerospace or astronautical engineering at an institution of higher education other than Stockton; two would live within 10 miles of the airport; two would own businesses within 10 miles of the airport; and one would have tourism expertise.