Raleigh opposes Butner bio-lab

Raleigh, N.C. — The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a resolution formally opposing locating a federal research lab in Granville County.

Butner is one of five finalist locations that the Department of Homeland Security is considering for a National Bio- and Agro-Defense facility, which would study animal diseases and diseases spread from animals to humans.

Supporters say the lab would bring about 1,500 short-term construction jobs and would eventually employ up to 500 people and could generate $6 billion in the local economy over the next two decades.

Local residents have rallied in opposition to the proposed lab, fearing germs for diseases like avian flu could be released in the community or a possible terrorist attack.

Granville County officials also withdrew their support for the lab earlier this year.

The Raleigh City Council asked Homeland Security officials six months ago to answer questions they had about protecting the headwaters of Falls Lake, the city's primary reservoir, from any contamination from the lab.

City Manager Russell Allen said the federal officials haven't adequately answered the city's questions, so he recommended the council formally oppose the project.

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Latest Comments

If this is such a great thing, then why don't they (DHS), listen to the idea of building it on the Dorthea Dix site, when it's closed? Why did (DHS), promise Senator Clinton they would not expand nor build a new level 4 facility on Plum island? They've had many, many exposures but the surrounding water has kept it contained and they could easily just build a new one there. Butner is a sleepy little nice town, and those of us who live, work, kids in school, want it to stay that way! That land should be given to wildlife for the hunting land we've lost between the state and feds building everywhere, and private development. Oh, and yes the protestors that you see, do live here, have organized here, and you may think we don't know what we're doing, but we have been raising money to take this to court if necessary. So, if you don't like the way we have it here, move back North!

Dnut
August 7, 2008 9:36 p.m.

"What does the city council of Raleigh, NC have to do with Butner, NC? They should mind their own business."

Cause Butner's waste treatment and this lab will flow into Falls Lake. If you live in Wake county and care where your drinking water comes from, you don't want it downstream of a Biolab!!

getrealpeople
August 6, 2008 4:54 p.m.

Why can't we outsource it to Saudi Arabia?

rc4nc
August 6, 2008 3:32 p.m.

What does the city council of Raleigh, NC have to do with Butner, NC? They should mind their own business.

benno
August 5, 2008 9:38 p.m.

Im only a few miles away from the site, bring it on, the area needs the income and jobs.