The California Space Authority, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the state’s space enterprise, has initiated the process of dissolving its nonprofit corporation status in accordance with California laws.
According to a press release received on June 10, the CSA Board of Directors voted unanimously on June 6 to begin the dissolution process. The organization ceased to operate
on June 10.
When asked if the CSA’s disbanding came as a surprise, Lompoc Mayor John Linn said, “That’s a bit of an understatement.”
The city of Lompoc partnered with CSA earlier this year to develop a California Space Center on land near Allan Hancock College.
Still, Linn said he’s optimistic the city will carry the project by itself.
“I’ve been meeting with people to discuss conceptually how we would move forward [with the space center],” he said, adding that CSA officials handed over all reports and planning materials to the city before the dissolution.
“They basically unloaded their server to us,” Linn said.
The City Council has yet to discuss the project, but Linn said he plans to give a report at the next meeting on June 21.
A major goal of the city, he continued, would be to make sure all components of the project are economically viable.
For example, the original design called for an onsite classroom component. But Linn said it would be more frugal to enter into an agreement with Allan Hancock College to use nearby classroom facilities.
“[The project] needs to be self-sustaining,” he said.
This article appears in Jun 16-23, 2011.