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The Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, led by CEO Jason Smith, is advancing the EDGE District development, supported by the Kansas State University Foundation. This is the third phase of the project focusing on the National Bio and Agri Defense Facility (NBAF).

Although the USDA inaugurated the national biosecurity lab nearly two years ago with about 250 workers on site, it will officially open in January 2027, when scientists and animals will be integrated into the facility. Additionally, NBAF expects to hire 150 more workers this year.