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Proposed $100 million Laramie,WY U.S. Department of Agriculture lab plan gains support
A proposal to build a larger federal laboratory to study West Nile and other animal diseases is gaining support despite some concerns from the community.
The proposed $100 million U.S. Department of Agriculture facility would replace the agency’s existing research labs at the University of Wyoming and in West Laramie. It would measure about 178,000 square feet.
Associated Press
Wyoming’s congressional delegation must decide by next month whether to recommend it to Congress’ appropriations committee for funding.
All three delegates support the project, but Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., is still deciding whether to forward a funding recommendation.
"He does realize it could be a good thing for Wyoming, but he’s still determining his appropriation priorities for the year," deputy press secretary Kim Sears said. "It is on his list of considerations."
The project is also endorsed by other key state and local groups, including the state Department of Health and Human Services and the University of Wyoming.
"Everybody I’ve spoke to about this project has endorsed it," said Richard Mayer, a research leader at the existing labs. "I think the community support as a whole is very important, as we would not want to place a facility where it wasn’t wanted."
The existing labs specialize in livestock diseases caused by mosquitoes and ticks, such as blue tongue, vesicular stomatitis and West Nile. Researchers cooperate with universities and the vaccine-development and cattle industries.
Some city officials and residents are concerned about a larger facility posing greater danger to Laramie if disease-bearing insects escaped.
According to Mayer, the chances of that happening are smaller because the new lab would be more secure than existing facilities.
"Everything we would work with is already here," he said.
"It’s not like we’re bringing in exotic diseases that will devastate wildlife or livestock."
If approved, the design phase is expected to take a year, with construction lasting about two years. Three potential sites are being considered.
The facility, which would bring in more than 30 jobs, would also accommodate several state agencies facing stricter safety regulations in the aftermath of Sept. 11.
"I think it’s an economic development issue," Mayor Fred Homer said. "It’s a good idea to support this. If we didn’t, it would probably go to another city."
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