TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A new assessment on the proposed National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility to be located in Manhattan concludes that changes in the lab’s design have sharply reduced the risk for accidental release of deadly diseases.
The assessment released Friday by the Department of Homeland Security updates a report issued in 2010. The new document puts the risk of an accidental release at one-tenth of 1 percent, down from the previous calculation of a 70 percent chance of release.
Supporters credit design changes made since the first report for the lower risk.
Most of the Kansas Congressional delegation have commented on the report, with Senator Moran saying the updated report confirms the N-BAF design is sound, Senator Roberts saying he is pleased, and Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins indicating the study confirms yet again Manhattan is the best, safest, and most cost effective place to build the facility.
Comments from Ron Trewyn, V.P. of Research at Kansas State University, may be heard in the above audio.
Comments from Manhattan City Manager Ron Fehr:
