SpaceX and Louisiana state officials have announced plans for a 125,000-acre rocket facility in Vermilion Parish, which officials state represents a $100 billion investment. The project, negotiated under the codename "Project Osprey," includes plans for five launch complexes and employee housing. Gov. Jeff Landry said the site will bring approximately 10,000 jobs, while SpaceX executives stated the facility could eventually launch about 30 rockets per day.
The agreement followed negotiations conducted under nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) signed by some state lawmakers and officials. Gov. Landry defended the use of NDAs as necessary to remain competitive and allow corporations to discuss policy expectations. To facilitate the project, Landry signed legislation providing aerospace companies with exemptions from property taxes, public records laws, and liability for noise, vibrations, heat exhaust, and sonic booms.
Records from Louisiana Economic Development indicate that SpaceX will pay the Vermilion Parish government approximately $25 million annually. In exchange, the company is exempt from billions of dollars in property taxes over 25 years. While state officials praised the economic potential, some residents of nearby Pecan Island expressed concerns that the deal was finalized without public input and could impact the local environment.
Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, addressed concerns regarding migratory birds on the Mississippi Flyway during the announcement. Shotwell said that while birds might fly away during a launch, they return immediately after the rocket is gone. Local residents and educators questioned this assessment, citing the coastal wetlands as a critical stop for birds migrating to Central and South America.
The project involves a transition for Pecan Island from a rural coastal marsh and fishing area to a high-frequency spaceport. Residents continue to monitor the impact on the Mississippi Flyway as the project moves toward its goal of launching rockets to support Starlink satellite internet and space-based data centers.