Bio-Defense Facility at KSU On Track for Funding

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Based on a budget proposal announcement announced by the president’s office on Monday morning for fiscal year 2012, funding for the nation’s Bio and Agro-Defense Facility at Kansas State University is on track.

 

The $150 million allotted to to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the project assures that “a safe and secure food supply remains a national priority,” according to a statement from the school.

 

“We understand the difficult economic climate our nation faces today,” said Tom Thornton, KBA president. “That’s why we appreciate even more the resolve and commitment of the Department of Homeland Security to fund the NBAF. There is no question that a safe and secure food supply for every American is a national priority of the highest order.”

 

The total $650 million, 500,000 square foot facility will replace the 50-year-old Plum Island facility in New York, which is outdated and lacks space, according to the school. It will complement the nearby the Biosecurity Research Institute (BSL-3) facility also in Manhattan.

 

Officials expect the facility to be operational by 2015.

 

The facility aims to ensure public health and the safety and security of the national food supply through integrated research, response, and diagnostic capabilities to protect animal and public health, the school reports.

 

The facility also will enhance the nation’s capability to protect livestock and the livestock industry from both naturally occurring and intentionally introduced disease threats. The NBAF willl conduct research on emerging zoonotic and animal diseases in order to develop vaccine countermeasures for foreign animal diseases and advanced test and evaluation capabilities.