Wichita State University

This Eda Investment Funds the Purchase and Installation of Key Equipment Needed to Support the Establishment of a Flight Test Research Center (FTRC) and a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Facility for the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University in Wichita, KS. the FTRC and the Mro Facility Will Provide Regional Commercial and Defense Manufacturers, Suppliers, and Aviation-supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs With Access to a Non-profit, Public University-based Flight Testing and Aviation Research Center. the Center Will Advance New Technologies Increasing Resiliency by Enabling the Regional Aviation Industry Cluster to More Efficiently and Effectively Pivot Operations to Address Current and Future Changes in the Aviation Industry, Such as the Ongoing Economic Impacts to Aviation as a Result of the Coronavirus Pandemic. the Project Anticipates the Generation of New Products and New Market Opportunities That Will Allow Companies to Create New Jobs to Replace Those Lost in the Region by the Production Pauses and Slowdowns Related to Issues With the Boeing 737 Max and the Ending of Production of the Bombardier Learjet. the Project Will Reactivate a Boeing Defense Site Abandoned in 2014 and Is Expected to Create at Least 475 High-paying Aviation Jobs. This Project Was Made Possible by the Regional Planning Efforts Led by the South Central Kansas Economic Development District, Which Eda Funds 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.