Plum Island Preservation Study Act
The Plum Island Preservation Study Act would require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a formal study of Plum Island, New York. The study would assess whether all or part of Plum Island should be designated as a unit of the National Park System or the National Wildlife Refuge System, or instead be protected by other means. In evaluating options, the Secretary must consider the national significance of Plum Island, consult with federal, state, local, private, and nonprofit stakeholders, and develop cost estimates for acquisition, development, interpretation, operation, and maintenance for each alternative. A final report detailing findings and recommendations would be due within three years after funds are made available for the study.
Key Points
- 1Scope of the study area: Plum Island and all improvements, including the Orient Point facility, and all real/personal property, transportation assets, and infrastructure that support operations and access.
- 2Designation options: The study will determine the appropriateness of designating all or part of Plum Island as a unit of the National Park System or the National Wildlife Refuge System, or protecting its resources by other means.
- 3Evaluation components: The Secretary must evaluate national significance, engage with interested parties across federal, state/local, private, and nonprofit sectors, and identify cost estimates for each considered alternative.
- 4Stakeholder consultation: The study must involve input from interested Federal agencies, state/local governments, private and nonprofit organizations, and other interested individuals.
- 5Reporting timeline: A final report detailing findings and any recommendations must be submitted to Congress within three years after funds are first made available for the study.