Sens. Murphy and Putnam Find Inspiration In St. Cloud

(KNSI) – The Space Shuttle Inspiration was the final stop for Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy on her St. Cloud tour Thursday.

The replica of the vehicles that once took men to the moon is still on the figurative launch pad, probably at least two years from being the centerpiece of a spaceport tourist attraction. Murphy tells KNSI News that even in its humble state, the shuttle still invokes awe, and she thinks it has found the perfect home.

“When I think about the American space program, it was born of inspiration and a belief in what we can do together. And I think that it is apt that it is here in St Cloud. And I’m excited to see what the community is going to do with this moment of inspiration, with its focus on education.”

Murphy was in town as a guest of District 14 Senator Aric Putnam, which includes St. Cloud, St. Augusta, St. Joseph, and Waite Park. He reiterated that the spaceport attraction idea sounds like something meant for New York or Chicago, but he thinks it can work in central Minnesota.

“The fact that it seems like it’s too big for us is exactly why we need to reach for it. St. Cloud deserves nice things, and this can be one of those nice things.”

Inspiration Space Port officials are in preliminary discussions on potential state funding for the facility. They tell KNSI News corporate interest is high and the project has multiple ways to get off the ground. They estimate an opening date of at least two years down the road.

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