Topeka ? Efforts to build a new biosecurity lab in Kansas are getting a huge boost, as President Barack Obama sends Congress a budget proposal that includes $714 million for construction of the facility at Kansas State University.

That would be the largest proposed federal expenditure for the project to date.

Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas said Wednesday that the recommendation signals the administration’s support for building the $1.15 billion lab, which will study large animal diseases and develop measures to protect the nation’s food supply.

The Department of Homeland Security will build the lab to replace a facility at Plum Island, N.Y.

Roberts, a Republican, says the proposal will require additional financial commitments from Kansas, which will be worked out by Gov. Sam Brownback and legislators.