The NBAF project will involve more than just the construction of the main plant in Manhattan.NBAF Leaders 2011Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce

Ron Trewyn, vice president for research at Kansas State University, told a Junction City audience Friday there should be economic opportunities for the region with NBAF. He added not all of them will be in Manhattan. “There really will be opportunities to locate companies that will want research labs in the area, that will want offices and some personnel in the area. ” Trewyn also stated there are many reasons to believe by next year “this may start to ramp up.”

Trewyn noted if the federal funding for the project comes through and construction begins next year that’s the time when there have to be many serious discussions in the region about economic development opportunities.  “Ithink next year there may be real good reasons to have serious discussions in the whole region about how do we get prepared for an onslaught.”

Construction on the main lab is expected to begin in 2013.  The construction of the central utility plant for NBAF is already under way.

Trewyn spoke to a Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce Partner Appreciation Day event.