MONTGOMERY — The fate of the deteriorating Saturn 1B rocket at the Ardmore exit of Interstate 65 is in the hands of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.
A bill signed Wednesday by Gov. Kay Ivey authorizes ADECA to fund the “repair or replacement of the Saturn 1B rocket” at the Welcome Center. The bill passed the State Senate 35-0 and the Alabama House 101-0. It was sponsored by Sen. Tom Butler (R-Madison).
“Once it is approved by the governor, ADECA will work to determine the steps we must take in order to fulfill our duties as outlined by the legislation,” said Mike Presley, ADECA’s communications and external affairs chief.
The agency can accept donations from public and private entities – including state funds – toward the work, according to the bill.
The original Saturn 1B Rocket is on loan from NASA to the Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission and has stood at the welcome center since 1979.
Due to the rocket’s condition, the legislation allows for the “design, construction, and installation of a replica of the Saturn 1B Rocket or similar structure” at the exit.
