Jackson Metro Area Chosen as Finalist for State-of-Art Research Laboratory

Jackson, MS – The Metro Jackson, Mississippi area has been selected by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a finalist for the National Bio and Agrodefense Facility (NBAF). The NBAF will be a $500 million new state-of-the-art research center designated as a level-4 security laboratory, the highest rating of any facility in the country.  The facility will be used to conduct research to protect our homeland against bioterrorism and certain diseases.

“I'm very excited for the team we have assembled to make this initial list.  All the team members worked very hard to put together a quality application,” said Dr. David Dzielak, Associate Vice Chancellor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. “We have research programs at our universities that are second to none and the infrastructure and capacity in our state to really bring this project to fruition. The competition is not over yet. We will continue to do whatever we can to help make this happen.”

The Mississippi bid team consists of a diverse group of local universities, including The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Mississippi State University, University of Mississippi and Jackson State University. All these local institutions boast a long history of excellence in research, education and patient care, including specific programs such as MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, UMiss’ National Center for Natural Products Research and JSU’s Center for Environmental Health.

“We are elated about the opportunity to compete for a facility that will be at the heart of protecting our nation from certain diseases and bioterrorism. The fact that the project would bring significant economic development to the MetroJackson area is very exciting as well,” said Duane O’Neill, president of the Metro Jackson Chamber of Commerce. “While we still got a lot of work to do, today’s selection further supports our collective effort to promote Mississippi’s high quality of life and research capabilities.”

The NBAF would have a profound economic impact to the Mississippi region, generating at least $30 million in federal funds each year and employing over 400 people. The facility would further enhance the state’s biotech, defense and technology sectors, bringing in private companies from research conducted at the site and further stimulate collaborative research at the state’s research universities.

The MetroJackson area far exceeds the criteria for the NBAF facility, building a strong team that showcases its education institutions, its ability to attract world-class researchers, provide critical transportation infrastructure and demonstrates strong local, state and national support.

Mississippi’s quality of life is second to none with a great climate, low cost of living, great schools, cultural and entertainment opportunities and the ability to attract and retain a quality workforce.

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