Possible National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Bexar County? (San Antonio: homes, live)

[Steel Man]

The Homeland Security Department is looking at far western Bexar County (Texas Research Park on SH211). Scientists will study agricultural diseases that could disrupt the nation's food supply and possibly spread from animals to people. An environmental impact study has started. Sites in Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina and Georgia also are under consideration.

MySA.com: Environment | Water (broken link)

[oldmanshirt]

Landing this site would be a significant boost to SA's economy and visibility on the national stage

[majormadmax]

Saw the reporting on the first public hearing on WOAI-TV last night...has anyone ever been out to SH211 between 90 and Potranco? It's out in the middle of nowhere, about 4.5 miles from the 90/1604 intersection. For reference, here is a map...


(Click on thumbnail for full-sized image)

I don't understand why people are afraid of the government building a facility out there. The research done could save lives one day, and as oldmanshirt stated it will help the local economy. I am all for it.

But I have noticed that developers are bulldozing large tracts of ranchland just past north of the Golf Club of Texas, I suspect they are against this as it will probably decrease the price the homes there can demand. It is ironic that those who are doing the most damage to the environment--the developers--are using "environmental impact" as a reason to keep this facility from being built; when the truth of the matter is the only thing they are trying to protect are their fat profits!

Cheers! M2

[rd2007]

I agree with you major and I don't like it at all.. I know the facility will do a world of good for both the nation and the local economy, plus I could see some prospective jobs for myself in that area.... hopefully it works out best for the right reasons

[jimbobvandy]

Fill me in, who and why are people against this? This is the first I've heard of it. Admittadly, I am out of the loop, but I am curious.

[rd2007]

the ones against it are mostly the tinfoil hatted people that don't want a bio weapons warfare plant in their backyard.. of course this isn't one, but that won't stop them from thinking it is... Same was true when I worked at MRSOC (now NSA Texas), there was a site that called us a top secret nuclear bomb making facility.. it was good for some laughs.. except sometimes these people can be really vocal and can scare up some others..

[tgannaway89]

A news story is reporting that a new government report has found serious security at the BSL 4 lab at SFBR.

How do you think this will affect our bid? Texas A&M was removed from the list of possible bio-defense facilities after CDC found safety violations at an existing lab there.

[gwrober]

Last I heard about the DOD coming was that it was still up in the air, and that the TRP was one of the proposed (bid) sites. If they do land in SA, anywhere, the employee count was about 500. BUT, 500 well paid employees...

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by tgannaway89

A news story is reporting that a new government report has found serious security at the BSL 4 lab at SFBR.

How do you think this will affect our bid? Texas A&M was removed from the list of possible bio-defense facilities after CDC found safety violations at an existing lab there.

I don't think it will have any effect. SFBR is an independent institution, officially unrelated to the current facility at Plum Island (which is the one looking for a new location). Though scientists at SFBR support the new facility, they're not part of it and officially have nothing direct to do with it.

The BSL-4 lab's structure was approved before it was built as is. The current safety concerns are based on new concerns about external penetration. When it was built it met the requirements. The report does not indicate any violations on the part of SFBR staff. IIRC, the violations at Texas A&M were specific activities by staff present. Completely different situation.

The article makes it sound like anyone can walk into the BSL-4 lab. In fact it is very difficult to do so. While in theory it's possible to pull a car loaded with explosives nearby, it's not like any one can just walk in and there IS security on the grounds - just clearly not up to the level indicated by the new requirements.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by gwrober

Last I heard about the DOD coming was that it was still up in the air, and that the TRP was one of the proposed (bid) sites. If they do land in SA, anywhere, the employee count was about 500. BUT, 500 well paid employees...

Not that well paid. Mostly higher educated scientists, but this is the government sector. The current facility pays decently, but no one's getting rich. They'd still make more if they worked in private industry.

The decision is not yet final. San Antonio is a very strong contender.