Lack of funding at proposed bio lab draws mixed reaction

MANHATTAN, Kan. - President Obama's budget seems to have put the brakes on a huge but controversial project in Manhattan, Kan. Obama recommends no additional funding for the project and re-evaluation from Homeland Security.

The National Bio- and Agro-defense facility would have been located on the Kansas State University campus and could have created more than 300 high-paying jobs.

It's a big disappointment for the animal health industry, but some think it may actually be a good thing for Kansas.

Craig Wallace, chairman of the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor, said 32-percent of the global health business comes from the Kansas City area. That equates to 200 companies and 20,000 workers in the corridor, which stretches from Columbia to Manhattan.

Wallace said Obama's request to end funding on the NBAF project is disappointing. He said Manhattan is the perfect location.

"We already have the resources and this would only enhance the visibility of the corridor," said Wallace.

He said the $650 million facility would lead to more jobs in animal health and industry innovation.

"They would be dealing with some of the most virulent and dangerous disease agents on the planet," said Wallace.

That's the problem for project opponents.

"Foot and mouth disease research in the middle of cattle country," said Tom Manney, who is a member of "No NBAF in Kansas."

Right now the work is done on Plum Island, off the New York coast. Manney said that's where research should stay, away from Manhattan.

"The campus area is rather densely populated with students and athletic fans," said Manney.

For now, Manney claims victory while the industry the NBAF would have helped, wonders what could have been.

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback said the state is not giving up and will do whatever it takes to land the facility.