SACRAMENTO – Proudly representing the Aerospace Capital of the World, the legislators representing Santa Clarita Valley and Antelope Valley jointly introduced Assembly Bill 2600 that would create the California Institute for Aerospace. Under the University of California system, this Institute will focus on education, research, design and development, serving as an incubator for technological innovation. The effort is led jointly by Assemblyman Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, Assemblyman Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, Congressman Steve Knight, R-Antelope Valley, Senator Sharon Runner, R-Antelope Valley, and Senator Jean Fuller, R-Bakersfield.
“The Santa Clarita Valley is home to thousands of high-paying jobs that are a direct benefit from the aerospace industry,” said Wilk. “The California Institute for Aerospace is a unique opportunity to ensure continued growth in innovation and talent for this vital industry. Partnering with the University of California will maximize retaining high-quality students who are trained in California, stay in California.”
Much like Stanford University was able to transform Silicon Valley in the 1970s, the California Institute for Aerospace would utilize the University of California system to strengthen Southern California’s position as a global leader in the aerospace industry by increasing public-private partnerships and fully maximizing our role in designing, testing, and building the Long Range Strike Bomber. This project alone is anticipated to bring more than 6,000 new aerospace jobs.
“Aerospace is one the driving forces of our region’s economy. It provides thousands of jobs to residents in both the Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys and we have a tremendous opportunity to grow our role in the aerospace industry with the creation of a new research institute,” said Assemblyman Lackey.
U.S. Representative Steve Knight said, “I am proud to stand behind Assemblyman Lackey, Assemblyman Wilk, Senator Runner, and Senator Fuller in this effort to strengthen aerospace education in the Antelope Valley. We need innovative programs like the California Institute for Aerospace in order to bring quality jobs to our community and revitalize California's economy.”
“I am proud of California's rich history in aerospace development, particularly the advancements that have come out of the Antelope Valley,” said Senator Sharon Runner. “Our aerospace industry is a great source of innovation and has long been an important part of our state's economy. The California Institute of Aerospace will ensure continued growth in this vital industry.”