Public Hearing Set to Discuss Proposed Biodefense Lab

Raleigh, 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.

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I agree with every word you said peacebee. I find myself now just chatting on the pages of those that I know are civil and will disagree with me in a civilized manner. There is no civility in posting in these news forums. I find myself asking more so, why do I bother. Would love to read folks opinions and learn something new, but is a hard thing to do here.

skinnycow
September 18, 2007 2:54 p.m.

Efforts to control Ebola depend on identifying and isolating those already infected. There is no cure, and most who contract the virus die. The disease typically produces acute flu-like symptoms, such as high fever, headaches and diarrhea. Hemorrhaging also is common, and bodily fluids containing the virus are the main source of transmission. In previous outbreaks, caretakers and those involved in burying victims were particularly susceptible

NO I do not want this virus here being studied. Keep it close to the patients so they can test the results of their experiments..I still say our united states manufactures are so anxious to send our plants overseas to get by cheaper, so move on down the road. I don't want you in my backyard....This is strictly my opinion...

ladyblue
September 18, 2007 2:52 p.m.

The presence of this type of facility will bring alot of security risks to this area. I would prefer not to be at ground zero for ebola. My preference, of course...go ahead blasters...assail me for my preferences...tell me how awful, whimpy, and inhuman I am, as you so love to do...assault me with your unkind garbage, so I can wonder yet again...why did I even bother to post?

peacebee
September 18, 2007 2:51 p.m.

Good Grief, folks. Get a grip, it just isn't that bad. There'll be an increased number of permenant jobs. Security will be sound. "Go on about your lives, there's nothing to see... move along."

I'd be more worried about nukes flying overhead on unscheduled, and unauthorized B-52 flights than I would be over a possible bio-hazmat situation from such a facility as they're proposing.

GulfWarVet
September 18, 2007 2:50 p.m.

ladyblue,

The reason we bring facilities here is to study these things more effectively. We can much better control security here than we can in Africa, which is then only a short plane ride away from the US for a terrorist or infected carrier.

After seeing how sloppy the security was, even in Raleigh, I still prefer it be in Africa. I don't like the idea that we will hve the ebola virus i our backyard. I rather it be in another country. America is not the safest place as you think. This is just my opinion..After Prime time, I was floored at what I saw. If this research center is guarded as the ones they showed across America in several states, God help us..I wish they're reshow that program. I would feel safe only if this place was in Area 51 they guard so well...

ladyblue
September 18, 2007 2:45 p.m.