Rep. LaLota Pitches Legislation To Make Plum Island National Monument

NORTH FORK, NY — Rep. Nick LaLota — who won the 1st Congressional seat formerly held by Lee Zeldin in November — continued the legacy of lawmakers before him in fighting to preserve Plum Island.

On Tuesday,LaLota introduced his first piece of legislation, the Plum Island National Monument Act which, he said, would establish Plum Islandas a national monument for the purpose of ecological conservation, historical preservation, and the discovery and celebration of the area's shared cultural heritage.
“For years, Plum Island has been an important piece of Suffolk County. After years of uncertainty, Congress acted in 2020 to prevent the sale and ensure the preservation of Plum Island,” said LaLota. “My simple bill would permanently protect Plum Island by designating it as a national monument, thereby preventing the development and any damage to the unique environment. I am committed to seeing this legislation become law to support the best interests of our community.”

Plum Island, New York is located about three miles from Orient. In 1954, the Plum Island Animal Disease Center was established on the island and managed by the United States Department of Agriculture. In 2002, the Department of Homeland Security was tasked with continuing the operation. The laboratory conducted research on foreign animal diseases and worked to prevent the introduction and spread of such diseases. After significant community concerns, in 2005, the PIADC was ordered to close and relocate to Manhattan, Kansas.
The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Homeland Security are still in the process of deconstructing the PIADC.

The Department of Homeland Security originally was required by law to sell Plum Island to the highest bidder— however, former Congressman Tim Bishop and Congressman Lee Zeldin fought to protect Plum Island's future.
Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell, along with the Southold town board, passed legislation in 2013 protecting Plum Island from a purchaser who might be eyeing the parcel for development.