Statement from Governor Perdue Regarding NBAF

Today (June 20, 2008) the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the sites competing for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF). Governor Perdue issued the following statement:

“Georgia continues to enjoy great success within the Bioscience industry as evidenced by the announcement of more than 500 jobs for our state just this week at the 2008 BIO International Conference in San Diego.

“We believe that Athens as one of the five finalists, home to the University of Georgia and just down the road from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, is an optimal location for NBAF. UGA is already home to a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory and a nationally recognized veterinary school. Athens’ close proximity to the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson, will give the nation the advantage of rapidly responding to zoonotic disease threats anywhere in the world. We are also excited about the economic impact it would have on Northeast Georgia and the selection of Athens would further cement our state as the crossroads of global health.

“As we continue to participate in the selection process, we look forward to competing on a fair and equitable basis and to make the best presentation possible. We will coordinate these efforts with the help of Senators Chambliss and Isakson, the Congressional delegation, the University of Georgia and Athens as we earn NBAF on our own right.”