The New Mexico Spaceport Authority has secured long term access to 18,000 acres for Spaceport America that will be built and operated 45 miles north of Las Cruces, New Mexico.

The multi-part deal was struck December 21 by the signing of legal agreements with the State Land Office, Sierra County, and two private ranch operations.

The 25 year lease contains the option to renew for successive 25 year terms.

A set of agreements has been signed between two ranches, the Bar Cross Ranch, Inc. and the Lewis Cain Ranch, Inc., owned, respectively, by Ben and Jane Cain, and Phil and Judy Wallin.

Each ranch family will receive a combination of upfront and annual fees, as well as possible reconstruction or modification funds as construction of the New Mexico spaceport moves forward.

The Spaceport Authority has also agreed to create a permanent, standing memorial to commemorate the Cain and Wallin family history and ranching heritage in the valley.