The possibility of Manhattan being chosen as the site of the new National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility is an exciting opportunity for that community and the rest of Kansas.

It’s only natural, however, that Manhattan residents would have some questions or concerns about a high-security facility that would handle viruses that are potentially deadly for humans and livestock.

As the first step in preparing environmental impact statements on the five communities that are finalists for the NBAF site, the Department of Homeland Security is beginning to take comments and schedule public hearings on the project. A public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m., Aug. 28 in the Kansas State University student union.

So far, both Manhattan and the rest of Kansas seem enthusiastic about the facility. The mayor of Manhattan told the Journal-World last week that he had heard little opposition to the project but that Manhattan residents were interested in knowing more about the safeguards that are planned to contain hazardous substances.

That’s a reasonable approach, pretty much what you’d expect from practical Kansans.

The biodefense lab isn’t something to be taken lightly. It will be a top-security facility that will handle some serious substances as it works to study animal and human diseases and develop vaccines.

It’s not unreasonable to have some questions about such a facility in your home community, but whatever site is chosen for NBAF will derive not only economic benefits but also have the satisfaction of knowing it is playing a vital national security role.

Now is the time for people in the Manhattan area to voice their concerns and get their questions answered about the NBAF project. Once they are satisfied that it can be operated safely and securely in their community, they and the rest of the state can move forward with confidence and enthusiasm in their efforts to attract this important project to Kansas.