Despite a cut in the Obama Administration's budget for the National Bio-and Agro-Defense Facility planned to be constructed in Manhattan, Governor Sam Brownback says he remains confident that construction will happen.
Brownback addressed the issue during a Statehouse conference Thursday, saying key players in the Obama administration, connected to the project, provided him with assurances this week(Play Audio :25 seconds)
The concern from the federal level isn't the facility itself, but the growing price tag around it(Play Audio :27 seconds)
The proposed site in Manhattan has been cleared for construction of a facility capable of researching dangerous animals diseases, and would replace the aging, existing lab at Plum Island, New York.
Under the federal plan, the Department of Homeland Security would oversee construction, while the USDA would have oversight of scientific work at the facility.
The 650-million-dollar facility is viewed by supporters as a way to create hundreds of jobs in Kansas.
The latest estimates, however, show the final price tag would be closer to 1-billion.
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Horton man arrested following weekend shooting
Morrill pair arrested on drug, child endangerment charges
Holton man killed in Jackson Co crash
Falls City man sentenced to Federal Prison
Jackson Co traffic stop leads to arrest
Ground Broken for new Sac and Fox Trad'n Post
One held for past Atchison shooting
Inmate dies at Lansing Correctional Facility
Early Thursday storms leave damage, outages, locally
Mound City Mayor Duane Nauman remembered
Community Healthcare System hires new CEO
Brown Co Planning Commission established
90 mph+ downburst winds blamed for Thursday damage
Valley Falls' future set for Wednesday eve discussion
KS' LaTurner will not seek another term
PBPN breaks ground for new business
Richardson County Board agrees to mediation
LATEST STORIES
Holton man killed in Jackson Co crash
90 mph+ downburst winds blamed for Thursday damage
Morrill pair arrested on drug, child endangerment charges
Rates to increase at Brown Co landfill
NOAA weather radio event set in Seneca
Falls City man sentenced to Federal Prison