Proposed Sale of the Island

Despite the significant natural, cultural, scenic and recreational values of Plum Island, in 2008 Congress passed, and the President signed, PL 110-329, part of the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance and Continuing Appropriations Act. This legislation has set in motion the federal government’s sale of the island to a private party. This law requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to sell Plum Island if he/she finds that the PIADC (referred to as the National Bio and Agro-defense Facility) “be located at a site other than Plum Island.” Said finding has been made, a site in Kansas has been selected for the new facility, and the General Services Administration is readying Plum Island for sale. This law requires that all proceeds from the sale of the island be used to offset the costs of constructing the new facility as well as decommissioning the existing facility on Plum Island.

Read the GSA Plum Island Sale Announcement