The importance of a facility like this, which will enhance the security of the United States and the globe in all areas where the health and food supply of the population is at stake, cannot and should not be overstated.
Dr. Robert M. Nordgren,
vice president biologics research and technology acquisition, Merial Ltd.

About NBAF

The federal government has recognized the need for increased vigilance in fighting and protecting against the spread of current and future infectious diseases that threaten public health and agriculture. The rapid spread of diseases like West Nile virus in the U.S., the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Asia and Canada and the concern that avian influenza might jump from birds to humans all underscore our vulnerability to diseases that infect both animals and humans.

Homeland Security Presidential Directive 9, issued in 2004, identified the need for safe, secure and state-of-the-art biosafety laboratories that research and develop diagnostic capabilities for foreign animal and zoonotic diseases (those that infect both animals and humans). In January 2006, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requested proposals for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), a modern, cutting-edge facility that integrates studies of animal and human infectious diseases.

In March 2006, the Georgia Consortium for Health and Agro-Security proposed two NBAF sites in Athens, on property owned by the University of Georgia. In August 2006, DHS announced a shortlist of 18 sites located in 11 states. DHS announced a list of five finalists, including the site on South Milledge Ave in Athens, in July 2007. DHS will conduct an environmental review of the site; a draft Environmental Impact Statement will be issued in spring 2008. DHS and the Georgia Consortium are providing opportunities for the public to find out more about the proposed facility and provide comment during the environmental review process. A final EIS and site selection by DHS is expected in October 2008.

The NBAF, an approximately 500,000-square-foot building, will employ an estimated 250-350 federal employees when it opens. An analysis by the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government estimates the NBAF's impact in Georgia at $500 million in wages/salaries and $1.5 billion overall economic output over 20 years.*

*Revised CVIOG estimate 9/07.