Parabolic Arc: The Sante Fe New Mexican has an in-depth story on what’s at stake for poverty-stricken Sierra County, whose residents a tax hike to build Spaceport America nearly six years ago. Residents are antsy about the years-long delays on the $225 million project, and they are worried they will not see the economic benefits they were […] The inside of the Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space at Spaceport America during its dedication ceremony in October 2013. (Credit: Douglas Messier) The Sante Fe New Mexican has an in-depth story on what’s at stake for poverty-stricken Sierra County, whose residents a tax hike to build Spaceport America nearly six years ago. Residents are antsy about the years-long delays on the $225 million project, and they are worried they will not see the economic benefits they were promised once Virgin Galactic begins commercial space flights from the facility. Reaping spaceport-related tourism dollars is key for the county and its largest town, Truth or Consequences, which lies closest to the spaceport. The county, whose per-capita income is only about 40 percent that of the U.S. 2012 average of $42,693, relies heavily on tourism. The county, with an estimated population of 11,895, has a per-capita income ...