Even after site considerations for the National Bio- and Agro-Defense facility seem to point elsewhere, University administrators and researchers continued to point out the advantages Thursday of a facility in Athens.

“University of Georgia administrators and researchers have studied the report of the potential environmental impacts and the safety of NBAF. We accept while there may be minimal risks associated with this facility, these are far outweighed by the much greater benefits not only to Athens but to the larger community in which we all belong,” said Provost Arnett Mace.

The Department of Homeland Security hosted two meetings Thursday at the Georgia Center to present the draft environmental impact statement. Jamie Johnson, director of national labs for the department, presented the statement and then answered questions from the audience.

The floor was then opened for public comments by members of the community, who turned out to voice their support and opposition.

Grady Thrasher, co-founder of For Athens Quality-of-Life, said his group “does not represent the maverick politicians, disingenuous academics or financially interested gain seekers that comprise the Georgia consortium. We represent the people of our community whose consent has never been sought and whose consent never will be given.”

ACC Mayor Heidi Davison said she decided to support NBAF after reading through the draft environmental impact, talking to constituents, talking with scientists and observing labs such as the Animal Research Health complex.

“After all of this research and discovery, I have come to understand and appreciate the science, the research and the safety protocol and especially the need for the mission of NBAF. I am very comfortable having this facility in Athens,” she said.

Public comments may be submitted until August 25. Officials will finalize the draft environmental impact statement in late October or early November and announce a decision in December.