COLORADO SPRINGS — As we wait to find out if Colorado Springs will be selected as the permanent home for U.S. Space Command, there are growing concerns about the impact on the cost of housing.
City officials are stressing that this is a big deal.
News5 spoke with Dirk Draper, the President of the Springs Chamber & EDC.Draper says the command would give the city a billion dollar boost. That would equate to three percent of the Springs' economy.
Draper says our market can handle it, but he also acknowledges the city's cost of living is higher than the national average.
"Our community is prepared to respond to our new neighbors and fellow citizens who come to this region," Draper explained. "While we may see some minor increases, for example, in housing prices, we're already seen as a very popular place to live."
The Colorado Space Coalition, conducted a study that found 5,100 jobs would be created, if the space command were to move to the Pikes Peak Region. Draper said families are already moving to town and buying homes after Peterson Air Force Base, was named the provisional home for space command.
"Colorado Springs is the center of gravity of national security space; and we have the military assets, infrastructure, and professional space workforce to support the breadth of U.S. Space Command’s operations," said Reggie Ash, Chief Defense Development Officer, for the Chamber & EDC.
Colorado Springs is one of six finalists. The Air Force is expected to make a decision in January.
The Chamber & EDC assembled working groups. made up of leaders from the City of Colorado Springs, El Paso County, the Military Affairs Council, as well as the business and defense community. The working groups assisted the Chamber, in preparing a bid and for the next phase of the selection process. This week, the U.S. Air Force will announce details of the next steps in the process.
