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State to pursue bioscience research lab By Jason Gertzen - Kansas City Star KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas is calling on high-profile officials and biodefense experts to make the case why federal officials should build a $451 million research lab in the state. Dan Glickman, a former U.S. agriculture secretary, and Lt. Gov. Mark Parkinson will serve as co-chairmen of a new Kansas National Bio- and Agro-defense Facility Task Force. Gov. Kathleen Sebelius issued an executive order last week creating the group, which has nearly 50 members. U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts is the honorary chairman. David Franz, a nationally renowned bioterrorism specialist and chief biological scientist of the Midwest Research Institute; Joerg Ohle, president and general manager of the animal health division of Bayer HealthCare; and Dan Richardson, director of research for Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc., are among other leaders who have agreed to serve. Kansas has two locations among sites in 14 states being considered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Federal officials intend to build a new laboratory complex to replace a facility in New York. "We already have outstanding assets, ranging from private-sector firms like Hill's and Bayer, to government institutions like the new food security facility at K-State," Sebelius said in a statement. "Kansas has a strong case to make for bringing the planned federal lab to our state." The federal project is seen as the catalyst for a major economic boost. Construction is expected to employ 1,000 workers, Sebelius said. Over 20 years, the complex is expected to produce an economic impact of $3.5 billion. The project, known as NBAF, also will enhance the high-tech prestige of the winning state. "NBAF would not only bring $450 million and hundreds of jobs into Kansas; it would also be another strong signal that our state is a national and international leader in cutting-edge bioscience research," Parkinson said. The task force is charged with coordinating efforts to inform local communities about the project, gather input and lead the advocacy campaign. Should Kansas make it to the next round of consideration, the task force also would help prepare an environmental impact statement. The Kansas Bioscience Authority previously agreed to contribute up to $250,000 toward lobbying and other efforts to attract the federal project.
Copyright 2007 The Wichita Eagle. All rights reserved. |
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