USDA and UHS hold public meetings on potential sites for the National Bio and Agro-Defense facility

TSCRA Daily News Update, August 8, 2008

USDA and DHS hold public meetings on potential sites for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility

This week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) continue their public meetings regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) on potential National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) sites.

The NBAF is intended to replace the current aged Plum Island facility. USDA would continue conducting foreign animal disease research and testing at the new facility, as well continue their current validation functions and veterinary training programs related to foreign animal diseases, while DHS's role would be regarding development of advanced countermeasures and facility management.

DHS conducted the draft EIS's at the following potential NBAF locations: Plum Island, Georgia, Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas.

The public hearings are to discuss the draft EIS's and to solicit public input on the final six potential sites. After conducting hearings last week in North Carolina and Kansas, representatives traveled to Mississippi and Texas this week.

Next week, they will conclude the process with three meetings in Connecticut, New York and Georgia. Final Environmental Impact Statements are expected to be published in October.