It’s great to hear that state officials remain optimistic about Kansas being able to attract the new National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility for Kansas State University.

After making some visits in Washington, D.C., Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and other state officials said they believe if the selection is based on the merits of the proposals, rather than politics, Kansas has a strong shot at winning the project.

You wouldn’t expect them to say anything else as long as anyone involved in the decision is around to listen, but it’s good to see state officials making the rounds and actively promoting the state as the best location for the NBAF laboratory.

Some concerns apparently were raised in Washington about adequate air service to Manhattan. A bill currently in the Kansas Legislature would appropriate funds to try to remedy that problem, for the benefit both of NBAF and expansion at Fort Riley. Legislators should show the state’s support for both efforts by moving the measure through the process as swiftly as possible.

It’s impossible, at this point, to accurately handicap the state’s chances to attract the NBAF project, but state officials are taking the right action by reminding those making the decision of Kansas’ continued interest and assets.