Latest local news, weather, high school sports in the Rio Grande Valley

Plans to build a spaceport in Cameron County is now facing opposition from an environmental group and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Environment Texas launched a on-line petition on Friday to halt the project to build a rocket launching pad near Boca Chica Beach.

The company said the SpaceX project will have a negative impact on endangered species such as the ocelot, jaguarondi, sea turtles and aplomado falcon.

In an open letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) voiced similar concerns for the project.

Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos supports the spaceport project and spoke to Action 4 News about the petition.

Cascos and other local officials want the jobs and investment in the area.

Some opposition from environmental groups was expected for the project, he said.

“Only time will tell,” Cascos said. “The environmental impact study still has to be completed.”