HUTCHINSON, Kan. -- Proceeding with caution in building the new Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kan., is wise. Bringing a foot-and-mouth research lab to the heart of the agricultural industry should not be taken lightly.
There has been some opposition to the lab because of the concern that an accidental release of the disease could devastate the nearby livestock population. Adding to those concerns is a July report by the Government Accountability Office, which criticized risk studies by the Homeland Security Department.
Yet, in the push to construct the lab, and the resistance by those who want more safety studies, a good compromise has been reached: Money will continue to be available for the design of the lab as safety research is conducted; construction, meanwhile, will wait until the green light is given.
The Senate has approved $32 million for the project. The bill next goes to the president, but final approval is fully expected.
In further safety studies, the Homeland Security department would be required to evaluate the risks of operating the 520,000-square-foot lab. The National Academy of Sciences then would review the study.
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Additionally, the secretaries of the Homeland Security and Agriculture departments must report to congressional committees on what procedures will be used to issue a permit for foot-and-mouth disease research and on an emergency response plan if there is an accidental release.
The lab would be a big boost to the economy. Kansas officials say the $650 million lab would bring in 1,500 construction jobs and employ at least 300 people with an annual payroll of $25 million to $30 million.
It is important to temper that desire for an economic boost, however, by carefully weighing the risks.
