hr886_LC_96_2789_a_2.html
07 LC 96 2789
House Resolution 886
By: Representatives Smith of the 113th, Smith of the 70th, McCall of the 30th, Heard of the 114th, and McKillip of the 115th

A RESOLUTION


Urging the State of Georgia to continue its efforts to establish the National Bio and AgroDefense Facility in Georgia; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, there is a proposal for a national research facility equipped to fight pandemics such as bird flu, combat bioterrorism, and provide hundreds of high-paying jobs on the national level; and

WHEREAS, in these uncertain times of global terrorism, it is essential that our nation have such a state-of-the-art facility as replacement for the aging Plum Island facility; and

WHEREAS, the new $450 million facility would bring 1,000 construction jobs, house 450 federal workers, employ more than 500 full-time scientists, and have an estimated economic impact in Georgia of up to $6 billion over the next 20 years; and

WHEREAS, the new facility's responsibilities would include the study of animal diseases foreign to the United States, transmission of disease between animals and humans, vaccine development, and safety of the American food supply; and

WHEREAS, the University of Georgia (UGA) has been selected as one of the 18 finalists for the possible location of the National Bio and AgroDefense Facility; and

WHEREAS, the research capabilities and talented personnel available at UGA make it a promising host site, and the surrounding community has expressed its support for the establishment of the facility in this area; and

WHEREAS, the placement of the National Bio and AgroDefense Facility in this state would cement Georgia's role as a recognized national and world leader in this highly competitive field.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body hereby urge the State of Georgia to continue its pursuit of establishing the National Bio and AgroDefense Facility in Georgia.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to Governor Sonny Perdue and to each member of the Georgia congressional delegation.