Federal officials will answer questions about a proposed federal animal and public health research and diagnostic laboratory that could be built in Granville County during a public meeting scheduled for Feb. 21 at South Granville High School.
North Carolina is trying to land the $450 million National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) near Butner and federal officials will make presentations and answer citizen concerns at the high school's auditorium, 701 N. Crescent Drive, Creedmoor, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Background
North Carolina is one of five finalists for NBAF along with Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi and Texas. The Department of Homeland Security conducted scoping meetings in each of the states as part of an overall study of the project's physical, human and cultural impact.
The facility would create up to 1,500 construction jobs over four years. Once operational, it would employ between 250 and 500 scientists, technicians and administrative staff, and impact North Carolina's economy by as much as $1.65 billion during its first 20 years, according to a North Carolina Department of Commerce study.
A consortium of more than 30 organizations from industry, agriculture, government and academia is leading North Carolina's bid for NBAF. The consortium Web site provides summarized talking points for those who want to write letters. Read more about NBAF and its potential benefit for North Carolina.
The Next Step
The site selection process for determining the location of the facility is now in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) phase. The federal government will perform an exhaustive review of each of the proposed locations. The EIS phase is expected to conclude in late spring when the Department of Homeland Security will hold a second round of public meetings at each location.
The final location should be announced later this year.