Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Conservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Suffolk County says it is exploring acquisition of Plum Island for conservation and research
Summary
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine has told local media the county is 'seriously exploring' acquiring Plum Island from the federal government to create a science and conservation center; the Department of Homeland Security may declare the island surplus in early 2027, opening a public benefit conveyance pathway.
Suffolk County is weighing a bid to acquire Plum Island and convert the 822‑acre federal research site into a conservation and science center, local broadcaster Christine Samson reported Friday.
County Executive Ed Romaine announced this week that Suffolk is pursuing a public benefit conveyance that would position the county to take ownership if the Department of Homeland Security does not transfer the island to another government agency. Samson said the county is seeking New York State funding to develop a business and operations plan to present to federal officials.
Why it matters: Plum Island has been closed to public visitation for decades and is home to an animal disease research center that is being decommissioned. Samson reported supporters, including the Preserve Plum Island Coalition, welcomed Romaine’s announcement; she said John Turner, the coalition’s spokesman, called the news “music to the ears” of Long Islanders who want the island preserved.
Suffolk County’s options hinge on federal timing. Samson reported that the Department of Homeland Security is expected to declare Plum Island surplus property in early 2027, a step that would allow a public benefit conveyance. Local officials told the broadcast they will prepare a plan to show how county stewardship would prioritize conservation and educational uses.
Local reaction referenced on-air included environmental groups and coalition supporters praising the county’s move. Samson also quoted Louise Harrison, identified on-air as a senior science adviser for Save the Sound, who called Romaine’s announcement a “hallelujah moment.”
Next steps: According to the report, Suffolk County will seek state funding to prepare its proposal, and the federal surplus determination would be the next formal milestone. No transfer has occurred and no timetable beyond an early‑2027 surplus declaration was reported.
Source: On-air report by Christine Samson for LTV East End News (SEG 006–SEG 046).
