Investments worth making

The following is a column by Lieutenant Governor Mark Parkinson:

Last year the Department of Homeland Security announced the need for a new research laboratory to protect food safety. Currently, Kansas is one of six finalists for the $451 million federal research laboratory that will focus on protecting America’s dinner table — and the Kansas agriculture economy. 

Being a finalist for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) is exciting for our state on several levels. First and foremost, it increases the recognition of our strong leadership in animal-health research and industry. It also demonstrates Kansas’ deep understanding of the critical mission of this lab: keeping our food supply safe and secure.

We are putting our best foot forward to let the federal government know that Kansas is the ideal place for this modern, cutting-edge lab.

Last year Governor Kathleen Sebelius issued an executive order bringing together a wide cross section of Kansans, federal, state and local officials, and private sector leaders within the animal health industry to make the case that this facility belongs in Kansas.

Last month, Governor Sebelius and I met with our congressional delegation and state legislative leadership, to personally reach out to members of Congress. The trip illustrated the strong support our state brings to the table, along with our inherent strengths for accomplishing the NBAF mission.

The great news is, as Kansas invests time and resources in this project, we are investing wisely in our state’s research infrastructure, agricultural expertise and workforce development. The NBAF would not only significantly build our bioscience industry and research base, it would provide a solid financial return should Kansas be selected for the facility, which is expected to generate 250-350 permanent jobs.

The effort to bring the NBAF to Kansas is an example of how we are looking for strategic opportunities to support growth in areas in which we have existing strengths, and making targeted investments in those areas. In this case, it’s a win-win approach for bioscience in Kansas and, ultimately, a victory for us all.

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