U.S. to build ag-biodefense lab in Kansas

MANHATTAN, Kan., Jan. 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says it has selected Kansas as the site for its new agriculture biodefense laboratory.

The $650 million National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility will be located on the Kansas State University campus and will conduct research into the detection and response to livestock diseases.

The proximity to the Kansas State agriculture and veterinary schools was considered a strong selling point for the site, the Kansas City Star said Tuesday.

"We will reap the benefits of a cutting-edge industry while protecting the nation's food supply and agricultural economy for years to come," said Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan.

The newspaper said the facility would replace the current research lab on New York's Plum Island and provide hundreds of scientists and other workers.

Construction of the lab will begin in 2010.