There will be lots of opportunities for all  different skill sets with the NBAF project, and area communities can benefit from the development of related industries.

Those were points during a visit by Kansas State University Vice President for Research, Ron Trewyn, during a visit with members of the Flint Hills Regional Council on Friday in Grandview Plaza.

Trewyn told JC Post there are great economic development opportunities for the entire region. “And if we all work together we can really bring in a lot we can leverage and bring in a lot more private sector, public sector entities that will help us all.”

Can Junction City really benefit from NBAF?  “Absolutely. There are capabilities here, there are assets that I think would be utilized. We talked a little bit about the research park and some of the things. Many of the entities that are looking at this region don’t need to be right in Manhattan right next to NBAF. They need to be in the area. So Junction City, this whole region, it should benefit if this is done right.”

The workforce challenges include developing the scientific training and engineering training, and specialized work for NBAF make it important to ensure the right force exists in this region.

Numerous area cities and counties are represented on the Flint Hills Regional Council, including Junction City and Geary County.