Video
Related Stories
On The Web![[search]](http://wwwcache.wral.com/presentation/v1/images/icons/16x12/search-form-icon.gif){kind=icon}
Site SearchRaleigh, N.C. — A public hearing is set for Tuesday to discuss a national biodefense lab that could go up in Butner.
The national Bio and Agro-Defense facility would sit on the Umstead Research Farm. Scientists could study deadly diseases like ebola, avian flu and anthrax in Butner. Some believe the community's proximity to top universities, RDU International Airport and Research Triangle Park make it the perfect area for a high-level research lab.
Officials said the lab would require the highest level of security, but since Butner is already home to 16 state and federal institutions, proponents said they believe securing the lab will not be an issue.
The facility is expected to bring 1,500 construction jobs and 500 permanent positions. In addition to the jobs, the facility could generate $6 billion over the next 20 years.
The public hearing on the lab is scheduled for 6 p.m. at South Granville High in Creedmoor. Texas, Kansas, Mississippi and Georgia are also in the running to get the lab. The government is not expected to pick a site until 2008.
News Alerts to your Email & Cell Phone
STORIES
VIDEOS
SLIDESHOWS
IMAGES
BLOG POSTS
Welcome to GOLO, where WRAL.com visitors can comment on stories and create profile pages, blogs and photo galleries.
You must be a registered WRAL.com user to use these tools. Click here to register or log in.