RALEIGH - People with opinions about a proposed animal disease research lab in Butner will have a chance to share them with the Raleigh City Council tonight.

The council will take comments about the project during a meeting at 7 p.m. at the Avery C. Upchurch Government Complex, 222 W. Hargett St. downtown.

North Carolina is among five states being considered for the $450 million lab, known as the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility. It would study pathogens that could be biological threats against the United States. The federal government also is considering sites in Georgia, Texas, Kansas and Mississippi.

The project has stirred local opposition. Political leaders in Granville County have withdrawn their support, citing a potential safety risk.

Supporters say, however, that opponents are exaggerating the danger.

A consortium that includes N.C. State and other area universities, government agencies, private companies and trade associations hopes to bring the lab to Butner. Supporters say it could bring research dollars and more than 500 scientific, technical and administrative jobs to the Triangle.

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