Feds say proposed biohazard lab in NC had wide support

RALEIGH — A federal agency’s report last year rated a North Carolina site as an excellent place for a proposed biohazard lab because of strong support, but that was before local
governments and a congressman voiced their opposition.

The 36-page memorandum from the Department of Homeland Security was prepared in July 2007. One year later, there was vehement opposition when the agency held hearings near the proposed site in Granville County.

The site is on 195 acres at Umstead Research Farm in Butner, 36 miles northwest of Raleigh. The report said the site was ranked excellent and had the highest numerical score at 94. A site in
Mississippi had the lowest score at 81 but has been named as the top choice for the $450 million project.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)