Kansas NBAF Task Force takes message to Washington
State, county and city leaders emphasize strength of Kansas bids

A delegation led by Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson, is in Washington, DC, making the case for locating the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Kansas.

“We have an incredible opportunity to answer an important national challenge, which is ensuring public health and the safety and security of our national food supply,” Parkinson said. “Because we have the right kind of scientific assets, and nationally recognized expertise in animal diseases, Kansas is extremely well-suited to host this critical national defense laboratory.”

Throughout the day, members of the Kansas NBAF Task Force are meeting with select government officials, including those from the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security, both of which will play important roles in locating and managing the $451 million, 500,000-square-foot facility. 

“Both Leavenworth and Manhattan offer the Department of Homeland Security unique options, depending on what kind of site they’re looking for,” said Tom Thornton, president and CEO of the Kansas Bioscience Authority. “Additionally, given that each site is in the heart of America’s agricultural economy, and in close proximity to a great deal of this country’s food animal production, we believe our proposals are ideal.”

Appointed by Governor Kathleen Sebelius, the Kansas NBAF Task Force includes a team of leading scientists, civic leaders, elected officials, industry leaders, farmers, and agricultural specialists who have been tasked with developing a compelling case for locating the NBAF at either of the Kansas sites.   

Parkinson along with former Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman serve as co-chairs of Kansas NBAF Task Force, with Senator Pat Roberts serving as the honorary chair.  Task Force vice chairs include Congresswoman Nancy Boyda, former Governor John Carlin, David Franz and Joerg Ohle.

The Department of Homeland Security will visit each of the 18 remaining prospective sites this spring to review their qualifications, and in late 2007 is scheduled to shorten the list of sites for further review.

For more information on Kansas’ proposals, please visit www.nbafinkansas.org.

# # #