GOVERNOR'S WELCOME LETTER

Welcome from Governor Kathleen Sebelius

NBAF for Kansas supporter:

Welcome to the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) for Kansas Web site. Since asking Dan Glickman and Lt. Governor Parkinson to act as co-chairs, and John Carlin, Dave Franz and Joerg Ohle from Bayer Animal Health as vice chairs, we have made great strides toward demonstrating why two sites in Kansas are ideal locations for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’s) new NBAF.

The State of Kansas is very much committed to aggressively pursuing this truly unique opportunity, and we will continue making the case for why this project belongs in Kansas.

Kansas is a world leader in bioscience, especially in the areas of animal health, infectious diseases, vaccines, and food safety. Kansas’ plan to site NBAF is the most cost-effective plan to guarantee the project's long-term success:

Research: Kansas State University’s (K-State’s) nationally recognized expertise and programs in zoonotic, emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, and livestock medicine.
Existing Infrastructure: Kansas has invested more than $54 million in K-State’s Biosecurity Research Institute, the nation’s most modern BSL-3 agricultural facility, and its National Agricultural Biosecurity Center.
Industry Involvement: The Kansas City region has the highest concentration of animal health interests in the world. The Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, stretching from Columbia, Mo., to Manhattan, Kan., is home to more than 120 animal health organizations — including 37 global leaders — employing more than 13,000 specialists. Kansas City companies account for nearly 30 percent of global sales for the $14.2 billion animal health markets.
Access to Talent: The region has an exceptional student population and work force, thanks to five major universities with world-class animal science and/or veterinary programs within a 300-mile radius.
Track Record of Performance. In building the BSL-3 facility, we’ve already proven our ability to build large-scale Federal facilities on time and on budget.
Strong Public Support: A state community that understands and values the importance of this type of research for the state and the nation.

Please take a moment to learn more about the technology behind this incredible project, and why Kansas’ business, civic, academic and labor communities are united in their commitment to bring a rare isotope facility to Kansas.

Sincerely,

Governor Kathleen Sebelius