– The State of California has awarded $9.5 million to REACH and a coalition of regional partners to establish Space Vandenberg, an initiative to expand job creation, innovation and infrastructure investment on the Central Coast.
The funding will support the creation of a dedicated entity to accelerate growth at and around Vandenberg Space Force Base, now the world’s second-busiest spaceport. The grant is part of $80 million awarded to 11 projects across the state through California Jobs First, which identifies sectors positioned to drive job growth and economic resilience.
“This is a catalytic investment in the future of our region,” said Melissa James, president and CEO of REACH. “It builds on years of partnership and successes, and positions the Central Coast at the heart of California’s space strategy—one that uplifts communities, accelerates innovation, and creates real opportunity for people across our region.”…