The Red and Black

Issue date: 9/21/07 Section: News

Media Credit: RICHARD HAMM

The Department of Homeland Security sought input from local residents on the proposed National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility Thursday night.

The following comments represent some of the issues discussed at the meeting:

Paul Chambers, who lives near the proposed site, said Athens-Clarke County needs an economic boost and that the NBAF would be the best thing for economic vitality. "We all know that high-paying jobs will put money into the local economy," he said.

Mayor Heidi Davison said she supports the project, but suggests creating a citizen council to build a solid relationship with local residents.

Jesslyn Shields, a spokesperson for the Georgia River Network, said the proposed site is not the right location because of its close proximity to the Middle Oconee River and the State Botanical Gardens. Shields said she is worried mostly about erosion and storm water runoff.

Doc Eldridge, president of the Athens Area Board of Commerce, said this is where the site needs to be. He added, "I would not support this project if it would hijack the safety of our community."

Sheila Allen, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, said few people question the need of this facility, but rather where it should go. She said she wants the NBAF in Athens for its educational benefits. "It's important to protect the agricultural economy as well as the safety of our food supply," she said.

Brenda Rashleigh, vice president for the Upper Oconee Watershed Network, said she is concerned about the facility's waste management and its level of water consumption.

Charles Boggs, a local resident, said most of the people that support building this facility in Athens appear to have some form of financial gain. "Do not do this just for the money," he said.

The meeting served as a way for DHS officials to collect input for the Environmental Impact Statement, a statement required by the National Environmental Policy Act for any major federal actions that may significantly affect the environment.

The EIS will analyze land-use plans, air quality, water resources, waste management, socioeconomic effects and more, according to the scoping meeting information packet.

A draft EIS will be issued next spring for public comment, and the final draft will be issued in fall 2008.

The University is one of five finalists competing for the facility. The proposed site is located on University-owned property on South Milledge Avenue, according to the University's Web site, www.uga.edu/nbaf.

Analysis from the Carl Vinson Institute of Government estimates the NBAF having an economic impact on Athens, including $500 million in salaries and wages and $1.5 billion in total economic output over 20 years.

The proposed 520,000 square-foot facility will provide animal testing capabilities and research on high-consequence biological threats, including foreign animal diseases, according to the DHS Web site.

The Department of Homeland Security will select the final site in October 2008.

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