By Fred Johnson
Texas Aerospace Commission
William “Bill” Looke, the new Executive Director for Texas Aerospace Commission, has successfully presented the case for increased TAC funding during the current legislative session. The Conference Committee on Appropriations voted unanimously to increase the Commission’s funding to $2 million for the biennium-an increase of about 500 percent from the last fiscal year.
Looke has fully re-energized the Commission and its focus of the number one priority: retention and full funding of the NASA Johnson Space Center, human space flight, and International Space Center Operations. While the industry surrounding the Johnson Space Center is key to Texas remaining as a leader in the space industry, Looke has also placed greater emphasis on aviation and economic development.
The Texas Aerospace Commission will continue to develop long-term strategic plans to assess and make recommendations for both space and aviation. Staff includes Fred Johnson, Director of Legislative Affairs and Administration, and John Paddenbury, Director of Economic Development.
Several pending projects throughout the state include:
- Explorer aircraft (Jasper)
- General Aviation manufacturer (Lockhart)
- Bell Textron V-22 Osprey retention (Hurst and Amarillo)
- Aviation & Space educational programs (Elementary-University Level)
A big winner for TAC was Governor Rick Perry signing into law on May 15, 2001 the Spaceport Trust Fund (SB813/HB 1964) which provides a conduit for the development of commercial spaceports in Texas.
Looke came to the Texas Aerospace Commission from Brazoria County Airport where he served as airport manager from 1997 to 2000. A retired Air Force Colonel, Looke brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in defense and defense affairs to TAC. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Southwest Texas State University and a Master of Science (Magna Cum Laude) from Northern Arizona University.