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Sen. Lisa Murkowski announced that the Defense Department Appropriation Bill will provide up to $45.5 million for improvements at the Pacific Spaceport Complex-Alaska, with funds expected to be available this summer.

Alaska Aerospace Corporation and Virginia Spaceport Authority advocated for this funding, which will be split 50/50. Approximately $22 million will upgrade the payload processing facility to attract more launches.

The bill also includes $4 million for Poker Flat Research Range upgrades and $6 million for JPARC investments. Additionally, Alaska Aerospace secured a $28 million contract for operating missile system facilities and is developing a 1,100-mile Pacific Test Range for advanced aerospace testing.