Possible Funding Boost For Kan. Agro-Defense Facility

The troubled National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kan., got a financial shot in the arm yesterday.

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security approved language that includes $75 million for the construction of the top security biocontainment lab in its version of the FY 2013 budget.

The subcommittee also directed  the Department of Homeland Security to finish a funding plan for the lab, which is currently under review by a panel of experts with the National Research Council.

Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, whose 2nd district includes Manhattan, released a statement yesterday expressing gratitude for the support.

“The House Appropriations Committee, under both Democrat and Republican leadership, have made it quite clear, time and again, that our country needs the NBAF and the best place for the NBAF is Manhattan, Kansas."

President Obama’s FY2013 budget zeroed construction funds for the  facility.

Yesterday’s recommendation brings federal funding for the new lab to $165 million.

For more NBAF coverage, visit KCUR's Tracking NBAF page.