Proposed bio-defense center raises concerns for Manhattan residents
11:03 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2008
Manhattan — Could the United States defend itself if there was a bio-terrorist attack?
Members of Homeland Security say "no," and that it's time to fight back before it's too late.
A Homeland Security team today looked at a site in Manhattan to build a state-of-the-art level 4 bio-defense facility.
The same team got off to a rough start in Butner, N.C. Not one of 600 who attended the meeting spoke in favor of it. Butner is one of five new locations being considered for the facility.
"This phase of it is to go out to the community and find out what the concerns are and take comments from folks," Homeland Security Spokesman John Verrico said.
The other places on the list are: Manhattan; Athens Ga., Flora, Miss.; San Antonio, Texas and Plum Island, N.Y, where an older facility exists.
The response to building a facility here was less hostile than in Butner, but dissenters still made their voices heard.
"I am very concerned that what really is going on is about fast money and a supply of jobs," John Hook said.
The $451 million facility would be built on a plot of land at the north of town. Proponents say it isn't just fast money.
Kansas Technology Enterprise Corporation President Tracy Taylor said it would complement Kansas State University's agricultural and animal science programs.
"It can have a positive economic impact. It plays off the great strengths of a great research based university," she said.
Student Rachel Whetstone also is for the proposed building to be built in Manhattan.
"I think it would be a great thing for our community," she said.
Still, with five other potential sites on the table, the question is can Manhattan even get it.
Kansas Bio Science Authority President Tom Thornton is optimistic.
"On the merits Kansas has a great shot -- research at Kansas State and the infrastructure that's already here, the bio security research institute," he said.
Other residents are concerned about accidents if the pathogens being researched got out.
Sandy Craven is against bio-research, but she's among those concerned with safety.
"I think they're putting money ahead of safety. Once a quarantine occurs in Manhattan, you're not leaving for months if something escapes, and my God, if people start dying, it will travel all over," she said.
People with those concerns should be reminded that this nation has a history of safety in this field, Thornton said.
"There's never been a release. I'm more concerned what do we do if we don't do this research," he said.
Hook says it just comes down to common sense.
"I feel that common sense is being thrown out the window, and anybody in their right mind would not introduce hoof and mouth disease in cattle country," Hook said.
Homeland Security officials say they should have a decision made about where to build the facility by December of 2009.
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