re: Note that it's state-run. IIRC, the NASA embargo hasn't been lifted yet.
IIRC - If I Recall Correctly
NASA cut off funding for SETI a long time ago (early 90s?) because some idiot congressmen thought it had something to do with little green men. SETI had to get non-NASA funding afterwards. I don't know if that's changed, but I don't think it has.