WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Sam Brownback applauded the Agriculture Appropriations Conference Committee for including funding for Kansas State University to begin working on NBAF research.

"I'm excited for the official kick-off of NBAF research at K-State," said Brownback. "With today's funding, K-State and the USDA can formally start their long-lasting research partnership. While the construction of NBAF will take a few years, it is imperative to begin transferring research to K-State as soon as possible."

Last week, the Conference Committee approved $1.5 million for researchers to begin NBAF work already certified to be done at Kansas State University at current campus facilities prior to construction of the new NBAF lab. The Conference Committee has reconciled the House and Senate versions of the Agriculture Appropriations bill. Upon House and Senate passage of the Conference Committee report, the bill will head to the president's desk to be signed into law.