Moran Named to Task Force to Bring Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility to Kansas

Moran Named to Task Force to Bring Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility to Kansas

Congressman Jerry Moran today attended the inaugural meeting of the Kansas National Bio- and Agro-defense Facility (NBAF) Task Force, formed to bring the federal research facility to Kansas. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) plans for this 500,000 square foot lab to be a next-generation facility to defend and enhance our nation's agriculture and public health. Moran was named a member of the task force in January by Governor Kathleen Sebelius.

"One of the top priorities of our state should be the recruitment of this facility, which will propel Kansas's leadership in bioscience research and provide substantial economic benefits," Moran said. "Competition for the NBAF across the country is fierce and will require the combined efforts of our local, state and federal officials to convince DHS to locate this facility in Kansas."

There are currently 18 sites being considered for the federal research center, including Leavenworth and Manhattan in Kansas. DHS officials will visit the sites this spring and name the finalists this summer. A final site announcement is expected in 2008. The National Bio- and Agro-defense Facility will be a home for scientists from DHS, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services to research biological and agricultural threats to humans and animals. The task force will promote the state's assets, infrastructure and workforce.

"The two sites being considered within Kansas offer unique qualities for advancing this important research," Moran said. "The Biosecurity Research Institute at Kansas State University and the many animal health companies in Kansas make our state an ideal location for the NBAF."

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