Majority Leader McConnell Secures Nearly $66 Million for New Research Lab at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture

Statement

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today he secured in the Fiscal Year 2020 government-funding agreement $65.9 million for the construction of the Forage Animal Production Lab at the University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture. The measure, approved by the House, is expected be voted on by the full Senate this week. Once approved the government-funding agreement will be sent to President Trump for his signature.

The research done at this Agricultural Research Service (ARS) site will focus on meeting the needs of the growing agri-business sector in the region and will serve both the cattle and horse industries. Senator McConnell secured funding in prior appropriations bills to establish ARS labs at the University of Kentucky and Western Kentucky University. This important project will help UK and its local partners continue making Central Kentucky a national leader in high-tech agricultural research.

"Researchers in Central Kentucky are pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge when it comes to agriculture, and I'm committed to supporting their innovative work," said Senator McConnell. "Throughout the country, agriculture and business leader are looking to Kentucky because of our cutting-edge advancements, and the University of Kentucky is helping drive that progress. As Senate Majority Leader, I'm continuing to advance rural priorities at the top of the national agenda, and I was proud to help UK receive the federal resources to further its outstanding research."

"Leader McConnell understands the vital -- and growing -- importance that agriculture plays in the Commonwealth, particularly in serving our cattle and equine industries. Outstanding, high-tech research, increasingly, is a difference maker in ensuring the health of this industry and its continued growth and vibrancy," said University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto. "The resources and support Senator McConnell has secured for a Forage Animal Production Lab at UK's College of Agriculture, Food and Environment will help us not simply continue our progress, but ensure that we can accelerate it on behalf of Kentucky's agricultural economy, which means advancing our state, thousands of farm families and two of the Commonwealth's signature industries."

"On behalf of our faculty, agents, staff, students and the agriculture community we serve, I want to thank Leader McConnell for supporting a new USDA Agricultural Research Services (ARS) lab at UK to serve the cattle and equine industries and build upon the work underway in the current ARS lab located at the University of Kentucky." said UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Dean Nancy Cox. "The college has a legacy of pioneering research to support Kentucky's multi-billion dollar agriculture industry. Through Senator McConnell's leadership, these priorities will help keep agriculture research at UK and in the Commonwealth at the leading edge."

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