Texas Governor Abbott dismisses report that state could sell Boca Chica beach to SpaceX
Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Monday downplayed a report that the state could sell Boca Chica State Park to SpaceX. Texas Monthly had reported the previous week that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department would discuss selling the beachfront park at its meeting next month. SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, uses the park area for rocket testing and launches, requiring periodic public closures that have drawn criticism from some local residents.
Single source · Not corroborated
Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday said he did not believe Texas would sell Boca Chica State Park to SpaceX, seeking to tamp down a report that had generated debate over public land access and the state's relationship with Elon Musk's rocket company.
The Washington Examiner reported that Abbott downplayed the possibility after Texas Monthly disclosed last week that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department had planned to take up the question of selling the beachfront state park at its next monthly meeting. The Texas Monthly report was the primary driver of the public controversy.
SpaceX has used the Boca Chica site for rocket testing and launches for several years. When launch activities are scheduled, the public beach and surrounding park area are temporarily closed, a practice that has drawn objections from some residents and beachgoers who argue it limits access to a public resource.