Approximately $13.5 million was designated in the $1.7 trillion Omnibus Appropriations Bill to fund the decommissioning of the USDA-ARS Plum Island Research Facility following transfer of activities to the National Bio and Agro-Defense facility in Manhattan, KS.  The Preserve Plum Island Coalition initiated a campaign in 2022 to have the location declared a National Monument for the purpose of ecological conservation and historical preservation.  This action is supported by both House and Senate members representing the states of New York and Connecticut. 

Conversion of Plum Island to a natural and cultural resource in perpetuity is a joint goal of the Department of the Interior and Homeland Security and the General Services Administration.  Established in 1954, the Plum Island Animal Disease Center has served as a research laboratory for foreign animal diseases and has trained veterinary students and USDA professionals in the recognition and control of exotic diseases.  In addition, studies conducted at the laboratory have led to the development of vaccines that can be used in the event of exotic disease outbreaks including foot and mouth disease and African swine fever.  When completed, the NBAF will be equipped with BSL-4 laboratories capable of housing large livestock and will operate a Biologics Development Module for the development of vaccines.