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Kan. (WIBW) – U.S. Senator for Kansas Jerry Moran released a statement Saturday following a report that found the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan is still not fully operational
The $1.25 billion-dollar animal disease research facility opened three years ago. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspector general published a report in July 2026 finding the Department of Homeland Security never properly configured the complex
The report found more than $75 million in repairs, new work and other costs needed to bring the lab space up to requirements to house animals and handle dangerous diseases
At this time, the facility continues to operate at lower biosafety levels
The report states the USDA hopes to have NBAF in compliance with the higher biosecurity levels by the end of September
NBAF’s presence is considered a key piece of encouraging bioscience industry development in the region
Sen. Moran released the following statement regarding the report, stating that the Senate Appropriations Committee has provided the necessary funds for the facility’s completion
A press release from Sen. Moran’s office notes that Moran applaudedthe USDA’s decision to exempt NBAF from the federal hiring freeze in January
In addition, the office says Sen. Moran hosted USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden at NBAF for a tour of the facility in September 2025
He also says in April 2024, then-USDA Secretary Vilsack testified that NBAF was expected to be significantly operational by the end of 2024 during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing
Manhattan’s $1.25 billion animal disease research facility not fully operational, report says
Manhattan’s $1.25 billion animal disease research facility not fully operational, report says
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