K-State Communications announced a large step in the construction process for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility though K-State Today.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate announced their award of $834 million, which makes up the final construction contract needed in order to complete NBAF. The state of Kansas is also providing $307 million, and the city of Manhattan is covering $5 million of the total bill needed.
Site preparation was completed in 2012 with funding provided by the state. NBAF’s central utility plant is expected to be completed in October, making up $80 million of the project that houses boilers, chillers, emergency diesel generators and other support elements for the main lab.
Total construction efforts are expected to be completed in 2020, with full operations starting by 2022.