SENATE OKs CRIME LAB FUNDS

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Senate has approved an $800,000 appropriation to complete the expansion and renovation of the Southeast Missouri Crime Laboratory in Cape Girardeau.

U.S. Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond said the expansion will help the lab move into a larger facility equipped with DNA, forensics and ballistics technology and become a training facility for officers dealing with the flood of methamphetamine production in Southeast Missouri."

The crime lab has been located in a 2,000-square-foot house for 22 years. The lab assists law enforcement authorities in 21 counties in Southeast Missouri.

The lab is directed by Dr. Robert Briner. Southeast Missouri State University has offered a larger, more centrally-located facility of 7,000 square feet but extensive renovation is required.

The money is part of the Commerce State and Justice Appropriations bill.