Manhattan ? Members of a National Research Council committee are in Kansas holding a public hearing on the risks associated with National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility.

Friday’s meeting is in Manhattan, where the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is building the $650 million lab near Kansas State University. Scientists at the lab will conduct research on deadly plant and animal pathogens. Members of the Kansas State faculty are answering questions about training and safety procedures.

As part of the project’s funding, Congress has required the National Research Council to conduct a risk assessment on the lab.

An initial risk report was released in 2010. That report raised questions that led to further review of the lab and the plans for security measures to protect livestock and humans if pathogens are released.