ROME, N.Y. -- Some exciting news for Unmanned Aircraft Test Site operation at the Griffiss International Airport.

State leaders announced that Thales has reached an agreement with NASA.

It's a Space Act Agreement supporting national and regional efforts to establish unmanned aerial systems, traffic management in the United States.

The company will expand its presence in Rome.

The city's Mayor said it's another sign of where Griffiss is going.

"This brings to fruition what NuAir was trying to accomplish from when the test site was first set up and the construction of NuAir itself of all the colleges, universities, private sectors, businesses, so any increase in traffic in the drone area is good for us," said Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo.

Thales will work with NASA for the research, development, testing and evaluation of low-altitude airspace control.