|
|
|
Kansas recommended as home of federal research lab to protect American food supply, agriculture economyKansas' national leadership in animal health research and industry has made it the preferred location for a $451 million federal scientific laboratory that will accelerate animal disease research to protect the American food supply and agriculture economy. According to the office of Sen. Pat Roberts, the Department of Homeland Security is recommending that the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility be built at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. The choice will be announced in the final environmental impact statement released by DHS after a three-year site selection process that began with 29 potential locations across the country. A final record of decision will be issued after 30 days and is expected to follow the recommendation made in the EIS. Once built, the NBAF will serve as the nation's premier research facility for developing vaccines and countermeasures for diseases that threaten livestock and other animals. Experts consider the facility an urgent national priority due to agriculture's vulnerability to naturally occurring diseases or agriterrorism. A broad consortium of public and private sector representatives in Kansas made the case during the selection process that the state has a unique understanding of the importance of the NBAF research mission because of its deep agriculture heritage. The consortium, coordinated by the Kansas Bioscience Authority, also promoted the state's internationally recognized animal health research expertise; its strong research infrastructure, including K-State's Biosecurity Research Institute; and its unmatched concentration of animal health companies. Kansas Bioscience Authority president Tom Thornton said the recommendation of Kansas for the NBAF was not surprising given the state's tremendous strengths in the animal health sector. "We know our nation must do more to protect the food supply and agriculture economy, and we have amazing capabilities to contribute to that critical work," Thornton said. "If Kansas is the final choice for the NBAF next month, as it should be, we will be ready on day one to get this work done safely and security--for the good of all Americans." Thornton also lauded the impressive efforts of Kansas' public officials. "Our congressional delegation, governor, lieutenant governor, state legislature, and city leaders have shown amazing unity and determination throughout this selection process. They led the way in articulating the state's unmatched capabilities, and it made a big difference," Thornton said. Leaders across Kansas hailed the decision as the right choice: Gov. Kathleen Sebelius: "Kansas has made bioscience research a top priority, and we're focused on using our research strengths to address global bioscience challenges. There is no doubt Kansas is the right partner for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, and we're thrilled the hard work has paid off for our state." U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts: "On the merits, Kansas is the best place to conduct this much needed research to keep America's dinner table safe. We've been doing this for decades, giving us a tremendous running start, and now we're ready to get to work with the Departments of Homeland Security and Agriculture to fulfill the NBAF mission." U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback: "Kansas stands ready to accelerate our nation's animal disease research efforts, and we clearly have the expertise and assets to get results. Now I plan to continue working with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to ensure appropriate funding for this project because the NBAF mission is critically important." Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson: "This victory shows what we can accomplish when we set partisan politics aside and work together as Kansans." U.S. Rep. Nancy Boyda: "One of our nation's highest priorities is to have a safe food supply, and this is clearly an area where Kansas excels. State leaders and our scientific community made a very compelling case that with our facilities, brainpower and expertise, Kansas is the best location for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. The Department of Homeland Security also has recognized that what Kansas State University and our bioscience community have to offer makes Kansas the right choice." U.S. Rep.-elect Lynn Jenkins: "Kansas State University's commitment and vision in offering its unique assets to achieve the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility's goals are to be commended. The research done by the capable folks at K-State will showcase to the nation the talents and resources of Kansas researchers." K-State President Jon Wefald: "This is great news for Kansas State University, Manhattan, and Kansas. This facility--with 300 world-class scientists--will enhance K-State's reputation and prestige as the leading university in America for animal health and food safety and security." Kansas Farm Bureau President Steve Baccus: "Farmers and cattlemen have long been asking for an acceleration of U.S. research to combat dangerous animal diseases, so we are pleased that the federal government has put the mission first in recommending the best home for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility." Bayer Animal Health North America President Joerg Ohle: "Today is a day to celebrate the tremendous opportunity Kansas has to use its unparalleled research and business capabilities to embark on the critical work of bringing new vaccines and veterinary treatments to the animal health marketplace." 12/8/08 Date: 12/3/08 Advertisement
Copyright/Privacy
Copyright 1995-2009. High Plains Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved. Any republishing of these pages, including electronic reproduction of the editorial archives or classified advertising, is strictly prohibited. If you have questions or comments you can reach us at High Plains Journal 1500 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd., P.O. Box 760, Dodge City, KS 67801 or call 1-800-452-7171. Email: webmaster@hpj.com |
Market Snapshot Inside Futures |
