Backers of a biodefense lab considered for Granville County got an infusion of cash Tuesday that changes the dynamics of the debate and raises questions about the use of public funds.

The Golden LEAF Foundation, which manages half of the state's money from a national settlement with cigarette makers, awarded $262,248 to pay for newspaper ads, a Web site and other initiatives that lab supporters want.

Those supporters include N.C. State University, the state-funded N.C. Biotechnology Center and nonprofit and private-sector interests that have joined to push for the federal facility. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is evaluating sites in five states for the $450 million lab, which would study large-animal diseases.

In Granville County, opposition has been fierce. Critics worry that the lab, which will replace a 50-year-old facility in Plum Island, N.Y., could release harmful pathogens. They have been buoyed recently by federal reports that said the government did not fully consider the safety of moving from Plum Island; that would put the cost of an accidental disease outbreak in the billions of dollars.

"I'm sure it would be like a vanity plate if we got that [lab] in North Carolina to academia, but not to the people of Granville County," said Bill McKellar, a pharmacist and organizer of a group that has fought the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility.

Supporters say misinformation has sullied the debate. Only about 10 percent of the facility, for instance, would deal with animal viruses that have no cure. Plus, they say, the lab would generate hundreds of jobs and transform the region into a hub for sophisticated research.

"The issue for me is to make sure people have accurate and correct information about this facility," said Kenneth R. Tindall, senior vice president for science and business development at the N.C. Biotechnology Center.

The center requested money from Golden LEAF on behalf of the N.C. Consortium for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. That's the name of the broader group that is pushing for the facility. It plans a seven-month outreach campaign that will be crafted by French West Vaughan, a Raleigh public relations firm. The firm will receive $107,450 of the funding.

Golden LEAF board members debated intensely for more than 40 minutes about whether to award the grant, which came to their attention in December. Among the most discussed issues: whether the request adhered to Golden LEAF's mission and whether the grant was needed at all.

The federal government plans to stop taking public comment on the issue Aug. 25, making outreach beyond then pointless, some said.

Sen. Doug Berger, a Granville County Democrat, asked the board to delay a vote until after a July 29 public hearing.

"It's a federal project and huge and something that would be meaningful to North Carolina," said Frank Holding, who sits on the board and spoke in favor of the grant. "We need to avail ourselves of every opportunity" to win such operations.

Members voted 7-3 to approve the grant request after adding language requiring that the campaign be "impartial and factual." Among those voting yes were Golden LEAF Chairman Jessie Thomas Bunn, who is on N.C. State's Board of Visitors, and Lawrence Davenport, who is on the school's Board of Trustees.

John Merritt, a board member who used to work for Gov. Mike Easley, voted against the grant.

"If you look at the ads, you would come to the conclusion it's advocacy," he said afterward.

His concern: From now on, when government officials face opposition, they might come to Golden LEAF to fund their public-relations campaigns.

"Does Golden LEAF really want to get into this role?" he asked. "I think we're making a big mistake."