Cost of planned biolab increases $200 million

The projected cost of a bioterrorism laboratory for animal diseases sought by Georgia and five other states has shot up at least $200 million, according to new estimates by the Department of Homeland Security.

The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility received congressional authorization for $451 million just two years ago, but DHS now says the facility will cost at least $648 million and as much as $939 million, depending on where it is located.

DHS’ last public hearing on the proposed facility was held Thursday in Athens, one of six national sites vying for the new, high-containment laboratory.

Jamie Johnson, DHS’ director of laboratories, attributed the sharp escalation to additional site-specific costs that were not built into the original 2006 authorization from Congress, which added $75 million to $140 million. General inflation in construction costs accounted for the rest.

The revised cost estimates come as DHS is closing in on a site for the proposed facility, which will study foreign animal diseases that can threaten the food supply and harm humans.

The hearing in Athens drew 200 people Thursday afternoon, some of whom waved fans reading, “No Bio Terror Lab.”

A second session of the hearing was held Thursday evening.

Opposition to the lab centers on the potential risk of locating dangerous viruses near people and wildlife, and local impacts to the water supply and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, adjacent to the proposed site.

“I support all the good goals,” Watkinsville resident Richard Cooke said. “I don’t support them here. Accidents happen. We all know that.”

Dozens also spoke in favor of the laboratory, dismissing safety concerns and arguing that the facility promised to bring hundreds of well-paying jobs to the region.

“A $60,000 job can change someone’s life,” said Brian Brodrick, a Watkinsville City Councilman. “That’s the kind of green we should respect.”

Brodrick’s comment sparked the only interruption of the afternoon when Matt DeGennaro, a freelance writer, shouted that most jobs would go to scientists and researchers who would move to Athens from elsewhere.

Police ejected DeGennaro from the meeting but allowed him to return afterwards.

Comments from Thursday’s hearing will be incorporated into DHS’ final site selection review document. The agency plans to name a winning site before year’s end.

In an interview, Johnson said the agency has made no determinations yet but noted several factors that could help Georgia’s chances.

Johnson pointed out that New York’s Democratic senators Hillary Clinton and Charles Schumer are both on record against building NBAF on Plum Island, N.Y., which currently houses the nation’s only laboratory for the study of foot-and-mouth disease.

A site in North Carolina also has sparked opposition from local leaders.

“That’s something we have to factor in,” Johnson said.

He noted that Athens has some community opposition —- but none so far from any local, state or federal leaders.

In addition to Athens, Plum Island and Butner, N.C., DHS also is evaluating suitable sites in San Antonio; Flora, Miss.; and Manhattan, Kan., home of Kansas State University and, like UGA, a college with strong veterinary and research credentials.

Plum Island is the most expensive option at $939 million, according to DHS, while Mississippi is the least at $648 million. The estimate for building NBAF in Athens is just under $680 million.

Mississippi, Texas and Kansas have pledged incentive packages of $100 million, while Georgia has offered $25 million, an amount that does not include an additional $3.7 million the state would need to bring new water lines to the Athens site.

Without specifying an amount, Carol Henderson, a director with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, told DHS officials that the state would pledge “the necessary funding to bring NBAF here.”