A $451 million boon to K-State
University, Manhattan compete for national facility that could bring science jobs, research
In 2006, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a call for proposals to communities that were interested in ensuring long-term public health and the safety and security of the national food supply. Kansas answered.
And in July 2007, the Kansas State University, Manhattan, site was selected as one of five finalists for the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility (NBAF).
Our deep ties to agriculture, long-standing expertise in animal health and veterinary sciences, unprecedented level of public support, and central location make the Kansas State University, Manhattan, site exceptionally well-suited to be the new home for this important federal research facility.
What is NBAF?
NBAF is the answer to an important national priority -- ensuring the safety and security of our nation's agriculture and public health.
This facility will provide Americans with a safe, secure, and state-of-the-art federal laboratory to develop integrated research and response capabilities to protect the public and the nation's agriculture industry from naturally occurring and intentionally introduced disease threats.
"The State of Kansas is very much committed to aggressively pursuing this truly unique opportunity, and we will continue making the case for why this project belongs in Kansas." Gov. Kathleen Sebelius
Heartland BioAgro Consortium
The Heartland Bio-Agro Consortium, a group of public and private sector representatives from Kansas and the region, is working to show the Department of Homeland Security why Kansas is the best place to build the $451 million facility.
Safety and Security
NBAF will be a highly-secure laboratory, designed to conduct research safely and effectively. Its state-of-the-art labs will not only protect researchers, but will also ensure the safety of the community. Redundant physical systems and procedures to ensure this safety include sophisticated interior and exterior security systems, and specialized clothing and equipment for work with sensitive agents.
All researchers working at these facilities are strictly supervised by scientists who are thoroughly trained and experienced in working with animal and zoonotic diseases.
Similar research will be conducted at K-State's Biosecurity Research Institute (BRI), as well as at other high-level biosafety facilities nationally. If the Kansas State University, Manhattan, site is selected, the BRI could actually help accelerate the NBAF research that is key to ensuring the safety of our national food supply.
These cutting-edge facilities are designed with safety and security as the top priority. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases reports no recorded incidents involving community contamination from any of the Biosafety Level-3 or Biosafety Level-4 facilities in the United States.
These facilities are safe and secure, both for the general public and laboratory researcher.
Benefits for Kansas
Public meeting about NBAF A meeting about the proposed scope and content of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility environmental impact statement will be 6-10 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, at Forum Hall in the K-State Student Union. Pre-registration is encouraged. Visit http://www.dhs.gov/nbaf/ or call 866-501-NBAF (6223). |
NBAF will advance Kansas leadership in the medical, food and agricultural research, science, and technology fields.
This project is anticipated to create more than 250 high-paying jobs at the facility, more than 1,000 construction jobs while it is being built, and an estimated economic return of $3.5 billion over the next 20 years.
NBAF will attract private biotechnology companies and a professional workforce, which will help support the state's infrastructure, and create more collaborative opportunities for existing universities and research institutions.
"NBAF is one of the most exciting scientific and economic development opportunities ever to come before the state of Kansas." - U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts
Home in the Heartland
Kansas has a long-standing history of agricultural leadership. In fact, more than 20 percent of Kansans are currently employed in the agricultural field, so we care deeply and personally about protecting our nation's agriculture.
Further, Kansas State University has dedicated decades of research to homeland security, agrosecurity, and food safety and security, making the university a leader in each of these fields. Such leadership in confronting these threats has prepared Kansas to address America's bio- and agro-defense needs today.
NBAF will also enhance the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, which stretches from Manhattan, Kan., to Columbia, Mo., and includes more than 120 animal health organizations and 13,000 specialists.
Kansas is uniquely positioned in the center of the country, and has numerous assets, research facilities, specialists, collaborative organizations, and academic institutions. Both the public and private sector have aligned in support of the facility, and include:
The City of Manhattan; Kansas Department of Agriculture; Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Kansas Farm Bureau; Kansas Livestock Association; Kansas City Area Life Sciences Institute; Kansas City Area Development Council; Midwest Research Institute; Riley County Board of Commissioners; and many others.
Kansas is Working Hard
A coalition of more than 50 people -- led by U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts, Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson, and former Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman -- is working to ensure that this opportunity to build a federally-funded, state-of-the-art facility becomes a reality in Kansas.
Appointed by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, and supported by the Kansas Bioscience Authority, the Kansas NBAF Task Force is made up of your neighbors, leading scientists, civic leaders, elected officials, industry leaders, farmers, and agricultural specialists, who are working to secure a "heartland home" for NBAF.
The Kansas NBAF Task Force, and community officials from throughout the state, will continue to demonstrate that Kansas State University, Manhattan, has the infrastructure, workforce, and community support to best achieve the country's important goals.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
The next step in the selection process is the preparation of an environmental impact statement. The EIS is a technical, year-long review that will consider potential environmental and ecological effects, as well as assess the overall viability of the site. As part of the EIS, the community will have the opportunity to provide comments and input during the National Environmental Policy Act process. In addition to Manhattan, the other finalists are Athens, Ga.; San Antonio, Texas; Granville County, N.C.; and Madison County, Miss. Alternatives at the current Plum Island facility will also be explored. A final site announcement is expected in October 2008.
Bringing it Home
When it comes to primary intellectual and physical assets, Kansas brings unparalleled value. Our agricultural heritage, combined with an educated workforce, academic resources, transportation infrastructure, and public and private support make Kansas the best place to successfully fulfill the mission of a national project focused on public health and the safety and security of our national food supply.
For more information, please visit www.nbafinkansas.org.
Photo: A rendering of the National Agro- and Bio-Defense Facility that would be built near K-State's Biosecurity Research Institute. (Image courtesy of Heartland Bio-Agro Consortium)