In October, county officials commenced construction of a $93.3 million advanced public health lab at the County Operations Center in Kearny Mesa. Slated to open in spring 2025, this two-story, 52,000-square-foot facility will provide space for nearly 90 employees and contractors, with additional capacity for future expansion.

The County's newly developed public health laboratory is set to play a pivotal role in combating infectious diseases, with capabilities for testing pathogens such as COVID-19, RSV, and influenza. To safeguard community health, the lab will also focus on ensuring food and water safety, conducting animal rabies testing, and evaluating hazardous pathogens like anthrax. Beyond these critical functions, the lab's responsibilities include conducting research, assessing environmental health risks, and bolstering emergency preparedness efforts.

The upcoming facility is poised to become a key asset for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in San Diego and Imperial Counties. Set to offer advanced services; the lab will specialize in whole genome sequencing and provide tuberculosis testing, marking a significant enhancement in regional public health capabilities.

Following a strategic review, the decision to proceed with the construction project was made upon discovering that consolidating campus offices would liberate a four-story office building. This strategic move, involving relocating 600 Health Services Center staff to the newly available space, enabled the county to save a substantial $130 million, funds that would have been allocated to construct a new building.

Leveraging the savings from office consolidation, the county is constructing a new lab and a $33.8 million six-level parking garage nearby. This garage is designed to accommodate over 700 vehicles and will feature up to 260 electric vehicle charging stations.

In anticipation of the lab's increased power needs, especially for equipment and cold storage, the county plans to install solar panels on the lab and parking structures. These panels are expected to generate approximately 60% of the lab's electricity needs, underscoring the county's commitment to sustainability.

The dual project of the lab and parking garage is advancing rapidly. The garage is on track for a September 2024 opening, with the lab set to commence operations in spring 2025. This initiative represents a significant enhancement of the region's public health infrastructure.