The public has until Sept. 28 to send written comments to the federal Department of Homeland Security on North Carolina's bid to land the $450 million National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility near Butner in Granville County.
Authors should include their name, address, organization information (if applicable) and e-mail address. Comments can be sent via the following methods :
- U.S. Postal Service
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Science and Technology Directorate
James V. Johnson, Mail Stop #2100
245 Murray Lane, SW; Building 410
Washington, DC 20528
Background
North Carolina is one of five finalists for NBAF along with Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi and Texas. The Department of Homeland Security is conducting scoping meetings in each of the states as part of an overall study of the project's physical, human and cultural impact. Strong public support for the facility is one of four criteria for selecting an NBAF site along with research capabilities in human and veterinary medicine, technical workforce and proximity to infrastructure.
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.
