WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Roger Marshall, M.D., along with Congressman Ron Estes (KS-04), this week announced a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) to Wichita State University to purchase and install equipment for use in the new Flight Test Research Center and a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul Facility to be located at the National Institute for Aviation Research. It is expected to create 475 new jobs.

“The productive partnerships between Wichita State and many local aviation manufacturers is key to the innovative solutions and technologies developed in the Air Capital of the World,” said Sen. Moran. “I am pleased this investment will further advance the mission of the National Institute for Aviation Research and expand their testing capabilities.”

“The National Institute for Aviation Research not only develops the next generation of the aviation workforce, it provides vital support to the aviation and manufacturing industries both in Kansas and across the country,” said Sen. Marshall. “This grant from the Economic Development Administration will continue to advance the ongoing research and development at NIAR, creating new jobs and new opportunities in Wichita, and I applaud this investment by the Department of Commerce.”

“Wichita State University and NIAR’s reputation and unparalleled expertise continue to reinforce our status as the Air Capital of the World, and this $2.1 million grant will assist as NIAR expands our capabilities in flight test research, maintenance and repair,” said Rep. Estes. “WSU students, our local aircraft manufacturers, the aviation industry and general public safety will all benefit from the new equipment made possible through this grant.”

“President Biden is committed to ensuring that our communities are provided with the resources they need to diversify and grow their economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “This EDA investment in Wichita State University will enable aviation businesses to efficiently and effectively pivot operations to address current and future changes in the industry, creating a more resilient regional aviation industry sector.”

The project’s planning efforts were led by the South Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD). The EDA funds SCKEDD to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

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