Sandy Hook Lab May Stay Open

A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration lab in Sandy Hook may remain open, despite a budget request from the agency that requested closing it.

The Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved a funding bill specifically preventing closure of the James J. Howard Lab.

U.S. Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Robert Menendez of New Jersey say the lab is working on important research related to fishing, oceans and climate change. In February, the two called on Senate leaders and President Obama to reconsider closing the lab.

The lab has nearly 50 employees, 11 seawater labs, a 32,000 gallon aquarium and a 49-foot research vessel.

The bill must now be approved by the full Senate.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)