<p>When the federal government embarks on a decade-long construction project, the largest checks often arrive near the end. Yet the reverse has been true for a popular Atlanta-based agency that shepherded the nation through anthrax and SARS.</p><p>A year before anthrax-by-mail attacks terrorized the country in 2001, the Bush administration sought a 10-year plan to replace many crumbling, World War II-era buildings at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.</p><p>Are things still on track? Thats an understatement. In January, Congress is expected to dish out another $250 million for the project, which will have received two-thirds of its anticipated $1.5 billion cost in less than half the time.</p><p>It absolutely keeps us on pace, said William H. Gimson, CDCs chief operating officer. It will change the face in Atlanta for the next 50 years.</p><p>Its hard to tell whether the buildings will be finished more quickly because of the eagerness by Congress, particularly Georgias delegation, to pay for them at a rapid rate. But, at a time of soaring deficits and costly wars, CDCs need for a better home clearly remains near the top of congressional priority lists.</p><p>In his budget request for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1, Bush asked for only $114 million for CDC construction _ less than half the amount desired by Georgia lawmakers. But they didnt panic, realizing such tugs-of-war over construction money have become an annual ritual, and Congress always seems to prevail.</p><p>For fiscal 2003, the administration requested $187 million for CDC construction, but Congress spent $270 million (all but $20 million on Atlanta). In 2002, lawmakers spent $250 million instead of the requested $150 million. So, its perhaps not surprising that Congress is poised to give around the same amount for new Atlanta buildings when the Senate finishes work on a massive spending bill early next year. The House has already approved it.</p><p>I know everybody got all excited and anxious when the presidents budget had a small number for construction, said Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga. But I said back then that was just the beginning of the process.</p><p>As early as next year, Atlantas CDC complex could get its own central utility plant, which will guarantee the critical buildings housing some of the worlds deadliest viruses will never lose power.</p><p>Far bigger projects are on tap for 2005, including a state-of-the-art infectious disease laboratory, where 500 scientists would work. Its 400,000 square feet makes it more than double the size of current accommodations for the same purpose.</p><p>A 200,000-square-foot global communications center also will open in 2005. From it, 200 workers will hone the daily public health messages and attempt to spread the word about emerging threats to all corners of the world.</p><p>Those are the top priorities, but future money will help finish the construction and reconstruction of a total of 13 buildings, all in the same vicinity. Gimson said currently the work force is spread across 30 different locations, most in facilities rented by the government at a total cost of more than $30 million a year.</p><p>The intent is to consolidate all of our scientists and public health professionals in the Atlanta area, Gimson said.</p><p>In years past, some Georgia lawmakers cried foul when the administration proposed lower figures that would have slowed the pace, but few such complaints are heard now.</p><p>These funds will allow the CDC to upgrade severely dilapidated buildings and facilities so that they will be prepared to respond to public health emergencies, said Sen. Zell Miller, D-Ga. This is a wise investment.</p><p>And, at least publicly, there havent been any complaints from the administration.</p><p>The presidents budget every year proposes an amount that works over the long term, said Campbell Gardett, spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services. If Congress adds to that, frankly its OK with HHS.</p><p>___</p><p>On the Net:</p><p>HASH(0x2858934)</p>
