BiolabsSpokane, Wash. biolab could be closed due to budget cuts
Just two weeks ago, law enforcement agencies credited a bioterrorism laboratory in Spokane, Washington with quickly identifying the substance in several letters mailed to people in town as ricin. These same agencies now say that the biolab could close as a result of budget cuts.
Just two weeks ago, law enforcement agencies credited a bioterrorism laboratory in Spokane, Washington with quickly identifying the substance in several letters mailed to people in town as ricin.
These same agencies now say that the biolab could close as a result of budget cuts.
KREM reports that that city leaders met on Tuesday to discuss the future of the lab. The lab is funded by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Washington Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (PHERP). The PHERP funds have dried up in recent years.
The lab’s technicians confirmed that the letters contained ricin, a poison that can kill if injected or inhaled. In addition to identifying the substance, workers at the lab interviewed anyone who came in contact with the letters.
Representative Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane) said lawmakers are now looking for a way to keep the lab open long-term, adding that funding from PHERP can keep the lab open through the end of June.
Senator Andy Billig (D-Spokane) believes keeping the lab open it important to ensure the safety of residents.
“Additional funding for the lab is critical to ensuring that Spokane and all of the Inland Northwest are prepared to respond in the event of a public health incidence such as a bioterrorism threat.” Billig told KREM.
