Members of the University community soon could be defeating bird flu, SARS and the West Nile virus in addition to SEC opponents.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to build a National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, and a site on Milledge Avenue is one of five potential national sites.

The facility would be “good for the University, good for Athens and good for the state,” said David Lee, vice president for research at the University.

The Department of Homeland Security’s other options are Flora Industrial Park in Madison County, Miss.; Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan.; Texas Research Park in San Antonio, Texas and Umstead Research Farm in Granville County, N.C.

“The competition [to get the facility placed in Athens] will be very tough,” Lee said. “But, if we’re judged on the merits, I like our chances.”

One of the qualifications to host the facility is a great research environment, and “we have a strong group of researchers,” he said.

The community has shown support for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Center in Athens.

However, Lee said he expects some community members will show concern.

A number of meetings are planned to address potential concerns, said Terry Hastings, communications director for the office of the vice president for research.

Aug. 30, a meeting addressing environmental concerns will be held in the Georgia Center from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

“Our community, state and agricultural leaders are very supportive of researchto protect animal and human health,” Lee said.

Most people do not realize Georgia is the top poultry-producing state in the nation, Lee said.

According to the Georgia Poultry Federation, the poultry industry contributes $13 billion to Georgia’s economy.

Protecting that food supply is in the interest of Georgia and the nation, Lee said.

The facility would protect the nation’s livestock from zoonotic diseases, which can be transmitted from animals to humans, he said.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the project would address threats from emerging disease pandemics and bio- and agro-terrorism.

Newly elected U.S. Representative Paul Broun of Athens, a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, has signed on as a cosponsor of the House bill authorizing the facility’s construction.

The University’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government estimates a direct economic impact of $3.5 billion over 20 years.

The facility could bring as many as 1,000 jobs to Athens during the three-year construction period ,and the facility will provide between 250 and 500 permanent jobs for researchers and personnel.

If Athens is selected as the site, the building would be constructed on University property on South Milledge Avenue near Whitehall Road.

The Department of Homeland Security’s selection for the facility’s placement takes place in October 2008.

In the meantime, a private contractor will conduct an environmental impact study of placing a 500,000-square-foot building in Athens.

For more information on the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility and meetings, visit www.uga.edu/nbaf.