LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- Spaceport America may soon be ready for lift-off north of Las Cruces after passing two key tests.

An environmental impact study and a license for the site were issued by the Federal Aviation Administration Monday, paving the way for more powerful rockets to be launched.

“It's a great day for New Mexico and a great day for the nation because a premier launch site has been formally inaugurated into the system,” said Spaceport Executive Director Steve Landeene.

Landeene said the FAA sent the environmental impact decision, and another decision.

“They have signed our Spaceport America site operating license for vertical or horizontal launch. Those are two big core elements.

Some Las Cruces residents said they’ve waited a long time to see something come of the Spaceport.

“I think for three years ago it seemed just like a dream and now at least we have documentation and meetings,” said Carlos Estrada, of downtown Las Cruces.

“Someplace on earth has got to have a spaceport. Why not here?” said Joe Rossow of Southeast Las Cruces.

Landeene said bids will go out in January for the roads, runway and security buildings.

The terminal and hangar are still in the design phase so those bids will go out sometime in the spring.

“We could not pursue anything on site until this record of decision was received,” said Landeene.

Artifacts currently found on the site in Sierra County will be addressed before anything is built.