LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) Dona Ana County officials have chosen a contractor to build an improved road to Spaceport America in southern New Mexico.

The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that county commissioners selected Mountain Slates Construction to build the nearly 24-mi. (37 km) road that could cost up to $15.2 million.

Commissioner Billy Garrett said the state will pay for it, and the county is only “acting as an agent for the spaceport.”

Officials with the New Mexico Spaceport Authority said it has about $13 million on hand to build the road, and county officials said the state Department of Transportation could provide additional funding to reach the target amount.

Construction is planned to begin within 30 days after the contract is finalized. The contractor would have 300 work days to complete it.

For more information, visit lcsun-news.com.