Well, you are familiar with the chronological rate of discovery, so we could assume that in the thousand years that passed, since we have FTL technology, we would acquire more knowledge about spacetime, aye?  With introduction to new species this knowledge would be shared.
So time would probably be a lot less than thought, but I will not deny that it would take a long time.
Thus, TC begins looking into portals.  TC requests that everyone recognizes a designated no-travel zone due to portal research that may cause potential harm.
Funding would be appreciated, and will be rewarded in the end.