Rep. DeRossett offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 206.

            A resolution to support the construction and operation of the new Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health on the campus of Michigan State University.

            Whereas, The new Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health (DCPAH), on the campus of Michigan State University, is a place where Michigan’s companion animals, livestock, and wildlife are brought or submitted to have veterinarians, epidemiologists, and scientists diagnose their sickness or cause of death; and

            Whereas, The existing DCPAH facility serves as Michigan’s official diagnostic laboratory, providing animal health services not only to state government, but to veterinarians, companion and farm animal owners, and various state agencies across Michigan. The DCPAH is one of two national laboratories and the only comprehensive diagnostic lab for animal health in the state; and

            Whereas, To help the state better meet long-term needs, such as requirements for exports, food safety, and domestic and wild animal disease eradication programs, the Michigan Legislature appropriated money for construction of a new, comprehensive, state-of-the-art DCPAH; and

            Whereas, This new facility will incorporate the latest, most effective and best available technology to increase efficiency and responsiveness; and

            Whereas, The DCPAH represents the state’s long-term commitment to public and animal health and safety.  This investment will better prepare Michigan to handle emerging issues; and

            Whereas, The DCPAH has become one of the country’s premier and busiest diagnostic laboratories.  It has grown from just over 9,700 cases when it was created to about 160,000 cases involving nearly a million tests in 2002; and

            Whereas, The DCPAH’s ever-increasing demand underscores the importance of having a first-rate facility capable of meeting the state’s myriad needs. It will be an invaluable tool in helping Michigan to identify, track, and address emerging animal and public health and safety issues; and

            Whereas, The opening of the new DCPAH will provide quicker response, increased capacity, improved efficiency, and new technology for bio-security; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body support the parties involved in the planning and constructing and operation of the DCPAH and appreciate the efforts to incorporate the several agency requirements into the facility, including the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Michigan Department of Natural Resources; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the Michigan Farm Bureau and the Michigan State University President and Board of Trustees.