TOPEKA, KS – Late yesterday, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius appointed Congresswoman Nancy Boyda (Kansas Second District) as Vice Chair of the Kansas National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) Task Force. Sebelius established the task force last month to champion Kansas as the best location to host a major new Department of Homeland Security biodefense laboratory.

Boyda said, "I am honored to serve as Vice Chair of the Kansas National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility Task Force alongside a distinguished group of public, research, and industry officials. The Task Force's ongoing, impressive, and collaborative effort demonstrates that Kansas is committed and ready to play its part in protecting America for ours and future generations.

"The potential construction of the NBAF facility in our state presents an unprecedented opportunity for the Kansas economy. Its construction would pump half a billion dollars into our local economy, enhance Kansas' reputation as a leader in bioscience research, and allow Kansans to lead the way in modernizing America's biodefense capabilities.

"Both Leavenworth and Manhattan have gone to extraordinary lengths to support this homeland security effort. I look forward to working with representatives from both sites to inform the Department of Homeland Security of Kansas' unique qualifications to host this next-generation facility."