A committee of the National Research Council is holding a public hearing with the Department of Homeland Security to discuss an updated risk assessment for the proposed biosecurity lab to be built in Kansas.

The meeting Friday in Washington will focus the findings of a report made public last month about the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility. The lab is to be built in Manhattan near the Kansas State University.

The $650 million lab would replace an aging animal research facility at Plum Island, N.Y. Scientists would conduct research on deadly animal diseases, including foot and mouth disease.

The National Research Council committee is reviewing a report that said the risk of accidental release of foot and mouth disease was remote.