Construction for Tri-County Biological Science Center to begin next month

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The long-awaited Tri-County Biological Science Center is weeks away from entering the construction phase.

On Thursday, the Charleston County Finance Committee will consider approving a $20,543,082 Guaranteed Maximum Price for construction.

The building will be used to conduct forensic DNA testing for Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties. Laboratory Director, Tom Van Koughnett, said a small staff of about 4-5 will do case work for law enforcement agencies instead of them having to go through private or state labs.

They will also be able to provide expert testimony for trials.

“We are going to be able to control what’s submitted. We’re really going to be able to speed up the analysis time. How long it takes from when the crime occurs to when they get a report. So, that’s kind of the primary goal here is they can provide more local control and really focus on getting things in the Lowcountry turned around,” said Van Koughnett.

Area coroners will have assistance in identifying remains once the science center is open. Dorchester County Coroner Paul Brouthers said DNA analysis at the state lab has limitations. He explained samples must be compared to a buccal swab from a living mother, father, or child of the deceased.

“…Whereas some labs will be able to go beyond that of maternal, paternal or child to include nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles,” Brouthers told News 2. “So, with that in mind we’re very excited and we hope the new lab in Charleston will be able to extend beyond maternal, paternal.”

The Tri-County Biological Science Center will be located on Leeds Avenue in place of the Turn 90 buildings and near other Charleston County facilities.

“I’m thrilled. I mean it’s a modern facility. It’s designed for our needs specifically. You know, its not a retrofitted old building or anything like that. So, its really going to be a modern state of the art building,” said Van Koughnett.

County officials said construction is set to begin on June 3^rd.