Georgia to Make Pitch for Federal Bio and Agro-Defense Facility

Georgia to Make Pitch for Federal Bio and Agro-Defense Facility

Will Create Up to 1,000 Construction Jobs and Employ 500 Upon Completion

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that the state of Georgia is preparing a bid to locate the proposed National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Georgia .

“Our emerging reputation as a center for life sciences and bio-research puts us in a unique position to make a pitch for this facility,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “While the economic opportunity for this project is tremendous, the location of the facility here would cement Georgia as a national leader in this highly competitive field.”

The University of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Economic Development's (GDEcD) Innovation and Technology Office will lead the development of the Georgia proposal, with assistance from Georgia 's other institutes of higher education, the Georgia Research Alliance, and key industry stakeholders and businesses.  A 20-page “expression of interest” is due to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on March 31, 2006.

“ Georgia is focused on weaving innovation throughout our economic development strategy.  We are making innovation our competitive advantage in every area of our economy – including the growth industries of the future, such as life sciences,” said Governor Perdue.  “Our existing facilities such as the CDC, Emory University , Georgia Tech, UGA, Morehouse, the Medical College of Georgia, and many other government and private entities in the life sciences field put us in a leading position for such a facility.”

Georgia 's pitch for the NBAF project is made stronger with the state's history of playing a leading role in agriculture and agri-business.  Agriculture is Georgia 's largest industry, and Governor Perdue's Centers of Innovation program features a Tifton-based center focused on developing innovation in agriculture.

“The University of Georgia is proud to play a significant role in developing the state's proposal for this important facility,” said UGA's Vice President for Research Dr. David Lee.  “ Georgia is recognized as a world leader in global health, especially in the areas of zoonotic infectious diseases, vaccines and food safety.”

According to DHS, the NBAF would address the federal government's need for research and development space to meet threats from emerging disease pandemics and bio- and agro-terrorism.  DHS issued a notice of request for expression of interest in the January 19, 2006 edition of the Federal Register.

The facility would be approximately 500,000 square feet and employ an estimated 500 federal employees.  A Carl Vinson Institute of Government (CVIOG) analysis puts the 20-year impact at $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion in wages/salaries and an estimated $3.5 billion to $6 billion total overall economic impact.  Construction of the facility alone would create an estimated 1,000 jobs.

“The state will lean heavily on our respected Congressional delegation for their support in this project,” said Governor Perdue.  “Members of the delegation stand ready to assist at every turn, and I appreciate their continued support and excellent service to the state.”

While potential sites have not been yet selected, the state's traditional advantages in economic development will be a key factor in this project.

“When you have selling points like world-class transportation assets, a talented and hard-working employment base, minimal risk of natural disasters and a business climate that supports new and emerging industries, those resources are favorable to just about any kind of project looking for the right place to succeed,” said GDEcD Commissioner Craig Lesser.  “I believe Georgia 's existing resources and commitment to growing the life sciences and agriculture industries will make the state a top location for this facility.”

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