LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) -- A $100 million government lab for studying animal diseases might be built here, bringing over 30 jobs.

The proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture lab would replace the USDA's existing Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Laboratories at the University of Wyoming and in west Laramie.

Congress has not yet decided whether to fund the facility.

The project is endorsed by the National Cattlemen's Association, U.S. Animal Health Association and Wyoming Stockgrowers Association, as well as Sen. Craig Thomas, R-Wyo.

"I don't see anything negative about bringing something like this here," said Richard Mayer, a research leader in the existing facilities.

"It would attract new businesses to Laramie and the University of Wyoming would be more competitive for grant money."

The existing lab specializes in livestock diseases caused by mosquitoes and ticks including blue tongue, vesticular stomatitis, epizootic hemorrhagic disease and West Nile virus. It cooperates with universities, the vaccine-development industry and the cattle industry.

It is the nation's only lab equipped with large animal holding facilities for researching inspect-borne diseases. But the facilities are too small for the nine new employees expected to be hired next year.

Laramie's location on the high plains, where the temperature is below freezing much of the year, makes it a prime location for an arthropod-borne disease research facility. Any disease-bearing insect which gets out would be less likely to survive than in a warmer climate.

Construction could begin within a couple years if Congress approves funding for the facility this year.

AP-WS-02-10-04 0232EST