Letter asking for NASA to be moved to Ohio signed by Mahoning Valley senator
In a letter dated March 11, local legislators advocated for the state of Ohio to be the new home of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
The letter was addressed to Vice President J.D. Vance and Jared Isaacman, NASA’s administrator designate.
It was signed by several congressional representatives and Ohio leaders, including Rep. Michael Rulli who represents Ohio’s sixth district which includes constituents in Youngstown, Columbiana and Salem.
His signature was added alongside Representative David Joyce, U.S. Senator Jon Husted, U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno and Rep. Michael Turner, as well as a few other state officials.
According to the letter, NASA administrators have reportedly been “quietly evaluating potential alternatives to its current headquarters location.”
The lease is expiring in Washington D.C. in 2028, and here’s why the representatives believe Ohio would be a good fit for their next national headquarters.
Why should NASA’s next headquarters be in Ohio?
The letter states:
“While we realize that other states, including Florida, Alabama and Texas, may pursue similar proposals, Ohio presents a uniquely advantageous case due to its rich aerospace heritage, lower operational costs, and central role to the nation’s technology and defense sectors.”
According to the representatives’ letter, bringing NASA’s headquarters to Ohio would align with an ongoing plan to bolster the local aerospace industry.
“Ohio is the birthplace of aviation, the heart of America’s aerospace industry and a critical hub for advanced technology, research and manufacturing,” the letter states. “Placing NASA HQ in the ‘Heart of It All’ would reinforce our national leadership in space exploration and aeronautics innovation.”
The representatives also reported that cost of living and operating costs in Cleveland’s NASA Glenn Research Center is significantly lower than Washington D.C.
“NASA Glenn Research Center and its Lewis Field site at the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport offer extensive office space and redevelopment opportunities, making them ideal locations to accommodate NASA HQ operations,” the letter states.
This story was originally published March 15, 2025 at 5:03 AM.
