Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority (509)

Authority: Title 2.2, Chapter 22, Code of Virginia.

A. Pursuant to the provisions of Chapters 779 and 817, 2012 Session of the General Assembly, $15,800,000 in the first year and $15,800,000 in the second year shall be transferred to the Commonwealth Space Flight Fund as set forth in § 33.1-23.03:2 §  33.2-1526 to support the maintenance and operations of the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority.  Included in this amount, an amount estimated at $800,000 the first year and an amount estimated at $800,000 the second year is directed to support shoreline protection activities at Wallops Island.

B. From the amounts of the Transportation Trust Fund, $5,800,000 in the first year shall be transferred to the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority for the development of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) test range on Wallops Island in support of activities designated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Prior to allocation of this funding, the Director, Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority, shall negotiate appropriate terms and conditions with the National Aeronautical and Space Administration for the lease of property at Wallops Flight Facility by the Commonwealth for this activity.