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Local economic development money routinely sparks controversy, especially at a time when conservatives are increasingly (and legitimately) suspicious of putting public funds into private enterprise. But if such funds legitimately exist to increase the number of jobs in a community and bolster its economy in a highly competitive international marketplace, then the reported $46 million local expansion of SpaceX ranks as the ideal project given the sort of jobs promised.

Gov. Rick Perry obviously believes SpaceX is worthy of such public investment, considering the $15.3 million in state economic development funds being used to help erect SpaceX’s commercial rocket-launch facility in the Rio Grande Valley. The facility will reportedly create 300 jobs in the Brownsville area and pump $85 million into its economy. Both Florida and Georgia had aggressively sought the project.

Now the Waco City Council and McLennan County Commissioners face a similar decision involving SpaceX’s plans to expand its rocket-testing facility in McGregor. While details are sparse at the moment, the project at least seems the type that funds from the Waco-McLennan County Economic Development Corp. ought to target: Not only are 300 jobs promised, they would involve engineering and technology skills. Employees would make about $60,000 a year plus benefits.