Study Outlines Economic Impact of NBAF Lab

Wed, January 25, 2012

Kansas Public Radio / Stephen Koranda

A new report says NBAF, the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility, could create 1,300 jobs during the construction phase alone. The report was presented to lawmakers this week. It estimates that during the first 25 years of operation, the Manhattan facility will create more than 600 permanent jobs, paying more than a billion dollars in total wages.

Paul Scheuren, an economist who worked on the NBAF study, says more than half the permanent jobs created will be located at nearby companies, rather than the federal lab itself.

“We believe the new bio-science firms will be created or may choose to locate in the state as a result of the facility,” says Scheuren. “As businesses have clustered near other research facilities in the country.”

Congress has appropriated $80 million for the facility so far and construction is already underway. Another risk assessment of the facility should be completed next month.