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LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) A $32.5 million contract to build Spaceport America's terminal and hangar facility has been awarded to a New Mexico firm.

New Mexico Spaceport Authority executive director Steve Landeene says the bid award to Summit West is a significant step in the overall construction of the $200 million state-owned spaceport located southeast of Truth or Consequences.

The Albuquerque firm was the lowest of four bidders on the project.

The three-floor, 110,000-square-foot facility will serve as the headquarters of operations for the spaceport's anchor tenant, Britain-based Virgin Galactic, as well as for the Spaceport Authority.

Work is expected to begin in mid-December.

Information from: Las Cruces Sun-News, http://www.lcsun-news.com

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-27-09 2202CST | save this article / add to your favorites list