During former Gov. John Engler's final days in office, MSU lost $700,000 earmarked to build the new diagnostic veterinary laboratory.
It's in MSU's, the state's and the nation's best interest to find a way to fund the laboratory. The diagnostic veterinary laboratory was going to be the first of its kind in Michigan. It would serve the purpose of detecting bioterrorism agents and diseases such as the West Nile virus and bovine tuberculosis in animals.
The $58-million lab would cost about $3 million a year to operate. Even without the funding, the complex remains under construction.
The money is out there, since many businesses have vested interest in what the lab could do. If MSU wants the laboratory bad enough, fund raising needs to begin.
Another option would be to work with the state Legislature because MSU is a top research institution. If the university goes the extra mile in fund raising, the state should do its part in meeting MSU halfway. Although Michigan is in trying economic times, this is something that needs to take priority.
With the university making a transition from a agricultural school to a science and research institution, it should ensure the future of the school. The lab would be a leader in the state in research on disease and bioterrorism. The lab would not just be a perk for MSU - it would help the nation. Amidst a war on terrorism, being able to detect anthrax would be beneficial.
The lab could be used to detect future anthrax scares and help fight the war on terrorism. MSU needs to find the funding for such an important research facility that could save the lives of many Americans and help the future of MSU scholars.
