MANHATTAN (KSNT) – Concerns have been growing over a federal facility not being fully operational since opening three years ago in Manhattan.
The National Bio Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) is supposed to protect the nation’s agriculture, farmers, and citizens against the potential impact of animal diseases. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported last month the facility has not fully functioned since opening in 2023.
During a senate meeting in 2024, regarding NBAF, USDA secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized that the facility would be finished soon.
“I’m pleased with the progress that we’ve made so far,” Vilsack said. “I anticipate more progress being made this summer and this fall. I think we’re going to be significantly operational by the end of this year.”
Our Capitol Bureau spoke to former USDA Secretary Vilsack and told us the timeline of NBAF mentioned in the meeting was provided to him by USDA staff.
Officials said from the mid 1950s until last year, Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York state conducted high-security research on foreign animal diseases. Vilsack said the USDA initially had an agreement with the Department of Defense (DOD) to transfer operations to Manhattan, but the plan changed.
“As we began that move, we were advised that the defense department would no longer be able to help,” Vilsack said. “That put the move on until we could contract with a private contractor that had the skill set to safely accomplish the move.”
Vilsack said finding a contractor was a long process and there was an issue over who would be responsible for damages if a toxic agent caused harm.
Our Capitol Bureau spoke to an USDA agency spokesperson about why the transfer had not happened, yet they said the Manhattan facility was not appropriately configured and commissioned when it took ownership.
“Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, the USDA has prioritized repair work at NBAF to ensure the transfer of mission from the Plum Island Animal Disease Center to NBAF can occur quickly, safely and securely.”
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Congress is also pressing for answers the Homeland Security Appropriations act requires the USDA and the Department of Homeland Security to provide a joint briefing on the root causes of the delay. This includes the remaining barriers, a revised timeline, and additional budget needs.
Our Capitol Bureau reached out to both appropriation committees about the briefing that took place and is awaiting a response from both committees. To find out more information about the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, click here.
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