Congressman John Mica is looking for answers into the transformation of the Kennedy Space Center.
The plan is to evolve it into a modern, 21st century space port -- now that the shuttle program is gone.
The space agency’s goals shifted back down to earth Monday as experts gathered to determine how the 144,000-acre, 240-square-mile piece of federal property known as Kennedy Space Center is taking care of taxpayer dollars.
The panel consisted of representatives from several sectors: the Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Space Florida, Port Canaveral, even the Audubon Society.
"NASA has dramatically changed over the last few years, we are looking at more of the commercialization of the space activities," said Mica, R-Winter Park.
NASA numbers show 720 buildings on KSC property. About 320 are sitting unused or vacant. Some are set for demolition.
NASA has been proactive in bringing in commercial companies to take over space no longer needed.
KSC Director Bob Cabana said right now some $580,000 in lease payments are coming in.
That’s money taxpayers aren't on the hook for.
"We've made great strides to become more cost-effective, to divest of unneeded facilities, saving precious taxpayer dollars," said Cabana.
Meantime the panel was encouraged after hearing from Canaveral Port Authority CEO John Walsh, who is pushing to put a rail line extension on KSC property to link to the port.
That alone would create jobs, he said. It could bring potentially 5,000 of them within five to seven years.
"If we can send a rover to Mars, surely we can connect 10 miles of railroad," said Walsh.
Congressman Mica told us he was pleased with the progress and information sharing at the hearing.
He asked the panel to follow up with him the coming weeks.