Freeport makes pitch for spaceport.(possibility of Lockheed Martin Corp. constructing a spaceport near the city of Freeport, Texas)

Lockheed Martin project could face environmental hurdles

Brazoria County is trying to convince Lockheed Martin Corp. to build a spaceport on a site near the city of Freeport for launching commercial satellites.

If the county's effort is successful, the project could capture part of the $350 million to $500 million Lockheed Martin plans to invest in two such sites in the United States. Also at stake are the 2,000 construction-related jobs and the 1,500 permanent jobs the Freeport area would gain as part of the contract.

Part of the proposed site is located in a wildlife management area, however, so environmental concerns could pose a major obstacle for the project.

Thirty-five sites in 17 states are vying for the coveted projects, which involve-using recyclable rockets to send satellites into space. Like the Space Shuttle, the rocket is launched like a missile and lands like an airplane.

Two other Texas sites …