When operational, the facility -- which is owned by that utility, San Diego Gas and Electric and the city of Riverside -- supplies power for 1.4 million households at any given time.

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"In signing the contracts to proceed with construction of the NBAF's Central Utility Plant, DHS is confirming their commitment to moving forward with construction of the laboratory facility itself, " Brownback said in a release.

WSJ: DHS awards contract for utilities plant at NBAF