Industry News

California-based Mann Research Center is planning to construct a $100 million life sciences complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The 400,000-sf research facility will be located in the Florida Center for Innovation at Tradition.

Winkler County Memorial Hospital completed construction of its $13.2 million replacement facility in Kermit, Texas, in January of 2009. Designed by Ascension Group Architects of Arlington and built by Skiles Group Construction, the 34,000-sf hospital includes an emergency department and an isolation room.

Stephen F. Austin State University opened its Registered Nurse facility in Rusk, Texas, in January of 2009. Located at Rusk State Hospital, the facility will enable junior and senior students to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

The Philippines' Department of Agriculture opened a P7-million avian influenza testing facility in Zamboanga City in December of 2008. The laboratory is a joint project of the Department of Agriculture and the Japanese government. Zamboanga Peninsula is in an area considered vulnerable among by the National Avian Influenza Task Force (NAITF) due to its proximity to Malaysia and Indonesia.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended the public comment period for a proposed contingency planning rule for animal research facilities. The rule would require licensees and registrants under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) to create emergency response plans detailing power, water, and HVAC backup operations; response and recovery chain of command; evacuation or shelter-in-place strategies; and sanitation, bedding, feeding, and veterinary services. APHIS may also develop a contingency planning guidance document for animal facilities.