The insect quarantine and greenhouse complex will allow the lab to begin importing and testing insects that could someday be used in battling problem weeds. The research done there could speed up development of biological control for invasive weeds.

Montana Sen. Bax Baucus helped get funding for the project and was keynote speaker at Sunday's dedication. Sidney Mayor Bret Smelser says the Northern Plains lab is a great economic boon to Sidney. He says, with a $5 million budget and 29 employees, the economic benefits of the lab low through the community with great positive results.