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.
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