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Kansas to host federal bio and agro-defense facilityThe U.S. Department of Homeland Security has recommended the the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility be built at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. In a press conference, Dec. 4, representatives annouced the choice will be formally 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. Kansas was the unanimous selection, according to Sen. Pat Roberts, R-KS. "On the merits, Kansas is the best place to conduct this much needed research to keep America's dinner table safe," Roberts said. "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." Wefald comments Kansas' 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, Roberts added. K-State president Jon Wefald said he could not stress enough the significance of the impact of NBAF being located in Manhattan. "It is the single most important event in the history of K-State," Wefald said. The facility will bring 300 new jobs to the Manhattan area, but more important than that, is the effect it will have on research in the area. Roberts said the facility will have an immeasurable positive effect for the entire country, as well as the state. "We are talking about a facility that will be the best animal health instutitue in the world," he said. The effect will be the ability improve the health of animals and improve food security for everyone. The facility will attract other business to Kansas, as well as attract collabrative research efforts to the K-State campus. Roberts credited the cooperation between all levels of government, private industry and K-State, in giving Kansas an edge over the competing states. Animal health strengths 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. Wefald agreed. As for K-State's role, "We decided in the late '90s that we need to have a priority for the whole university." That priority of food safety and security and animal health was key to the NBAF location decision, Wefald said. K-State's BRI, a Biosecurity Level 3 facility, has the capability to do significant research for the NBAF. Rob Trenwyn, K-State vice president of research, told reporters that part of their proposal was the ability to begin research immediately in the BRI facility. 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." Throughout 2009, Trenwyn expects the generic plans for the NBAF will be adapted to specific location in Manhattan and construction will begin in 2010 and end in 2014. 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. Other leaders speak Leaders across Kansas hailed the decision as the right choice: Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, D-KS: "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." Sen. Sam Brownback, R-KS: "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." Rep.-Elect Lynn Jenkins, R-KS: "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." 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: 12/4/08 Advertisement
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