Research Company Opens $22 Million Biological and Chemical Defense Center (to detect WMD)

Tampa Bay AP News ^ | March 18, 2003 | AP

[FairOpinion]

ABERDEEN, Md. (AP) - A company that has worked extensively with the U.S. military on biodefense projects opened a center Monday dedicated to developing devices to detect chemical and biological weapons. The $22 million laboratory and office complex is less than 5 miles from the Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground, where any biodefense devices would be tested.

The new center, built by Columbus, Ohio-based Battelle, will focus on creating devices that can detect chemical and biological weapons in the air, on the ground and inside buildings.

The 16 new laboratories are classified as Level 3, the second-highest level of security, safeguards and training. With the rating, Battelle can handle agents that may cause serious or potentially lethal disease if they are inhaled.

In April 2002, Battelle was awarded a $23 million contract from the U.S. military to develop for a biological attack warning system.

AP-ES-03-17-03 2347EST

[FairOpinion]

I hope they succeed. Early detection would go a long way to thrwarting such attacks before major casualties occur.

[RLK]

Sounds like they should be hiring me. I was in that business years ago. The knowlege we had was lost when Ft. Detrick was dismantled and what exists is in the heads of a few like me.

[FairOpinion]

Well, check them out, maybe you can consult, at least.

Looks like they are just starting up.