Texas Research Park Site, San Antonio, Texas

Consortium

The Texas Biological and Agro-Defense Consortium (TBAC) is a collection of stakeholders formed to bring the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) to San Antonio. Members of the TBAC include the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research (SFBR), the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio (UTHSCSA), Brooks Development Authority (BDA), and the Texas Research & Technology Foundation (TRTF).

SFBR is a leading independent biomedical research institution, home to the Southwest National Primate Research Center, which includes the capacity for non-human primate studies in biosafety level 4 (BSL-4), and a veterinary technical staff experienced in the management and use of nonhuman primates ranging from chimpanzees to marmosets.

UTSA has created several research centers and institutes which have formed collaborative programs with institutions and private research entities. A number of research programs are focused on parasitic and fungal disease, biotechnology problems of national strategic need, including detection and analysis of influenza, genomic sequencing of biothreat agents and novel vaccine development.

UTHSCSA is home to numerous research programs focused on established and emerging infectious diseases caused by parasitic, fungal, viral, and bacterial pathogens. A significant number of these programs in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology focus on potential bioterror threats related to the NBAF mission.

TRTF owns and operates the 1,236-acre Texas Research Park (TRP). TRTF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit innovation-based economic developer for San Antonio and South Texas.

Proposed NBAF Site Location

The San Antonio site alternative is located on 100 acres within the TRP, Bexar and Medina Counties. The TRP site is part of a former working ranch that was donated to TRTF in 1986. The TRP is approximately four miles west of the City of San Antonio; it is in its extra-territorial jurisdiction, and it is a Designated Industrial District of the City.

Complementary Research And Workforce

San Antonio is home to a comprehensive research community with ongoing research programs related to the NBAF mission. The bioscience and healthcare industry sector is the largest economic generator in the community. The TRP site is within proximity of skilled research and technical staff with expertise in design, construction, and operations conducted at biological and agricultural research facilities.

Available Site Infrastructure

Available site utilities are adjacent to the TRP site with capacities that meet or exceed NBAF requirements. Facilities to increase water capacity are currently under construction, as is a 200-megawatt electrical substation in the TRP. Natural gas capacity is more than adequate for the NBAF and future resident tenant needs. Existing wastewater lines are adequate, and planned upgrades would service the NBAF and future tenant needs.

Transportation arteries are adjacent and nearby the TRP and the alternative site. The TRP fronts on State Highway 211 (Texas Research Parkway). To the south, State Highway 211 connects to U.S. Highway 90 approximately two miles from the TRP. To the north, State Highway 211 insects with State Highway 1957 (Potranco Road) and will be extended northward within four years to connect to the northwest segment of State Highway 211.