August 12, 2008

MISSISSIPPI MERITS THE NATIONAL BIO & AGRO-DEFENSE FACILITY (NBAF)

The Gulf States Bio and Agro-Defense Consortium effort to bring NBAF to Mississippi is confident Flora, Mississippi is the best possible location for this new Department of Homeland Security facility. With site selection a mere months away, the competition for this coveted facility has become fierce. Within the past two months, outside interests have begun campaigns aimed to try to discredit Mississippi’s proposal.  However, the facts are the facts. NBAF belongs in Mississippi.

Since the beginning of this journey in March of 2006, the Department of Homeland Security criteria used for site selection have focused on four areas: Proximity to Research Capabilities, Proximity to Workforce, Acquisition/Construction/Operations of the site, and Community Acceptance. We have rated high on each of the criteria. Two of these, infrastructure and workforce, are understood strengths of our region. Our workforce is healthy in all occupations. Mississippi maintains more than 500 faculty members and produces more than 700 graduates annually in NBAF related fields. Our site is a beautiful area north of Flora that offers not only a wonderful location, but also the most cost effective site on which to build the facility.

Research Capabilities is a critical ingredient to the NBAF decision.  Further definition of this category would focus on the site’s ability to attract world-class researchers and scientists that are necessary.  Those who wish to discredit Mississippi are apparently unaware of the extensive amount of research that takes place here. Our proposal has received high marks for being able to address these criteria through the combined resources of our Education and Research team. When speaking about merit, the Gulf States Consortium team is super strong. The Mississippi universities, Tulane University, Iowa State University and Battelle Memorial Institute bring the brightest and best minds to the future facility.  Mississippi has the merit and intellectual capacity for NBAF. And for those who question whether these individuals will want to live here, our quality of life is one of our greatest strengths.  Just in Madison County alone we have two cities recently awarded the designation of being among the best cities to live in the nation.

The final criterion is Community Acceptance. This is essential to the project.  From the start, Homeland Security has stressed that community support was vital for site selection. What competition and naysayers would like to overlook is that Mississippi has exhibited the most positive support for this research lab, including more than 300 letters of support.  Mississippians want to be involved in protecting our nation’s livestock.  Mississippians want to see the economic activity that would accompany this facility.  Mississippians are truly patriotic and want to be involved in protecting our Nation’s security. No state scores higher in community acceptance than Mississippi.

When you become a frontrunner on any endeavor, the competition works more diligently to discredit you. Mississippi can be proud of our attempt to bring NBAF to our state. Please take time to read the attached Myths VS Facts document and we know you will agree we are the best location for NBAF.