What should be Plum Island's next gig?

The U.S. government is trying to decide whether to sell Plum Island, a research site for hoof-and-mouth and other animal diseases for 56 years. It's even been used to study bioterrorism. After a history like that, what should go in its place? A resort? A prison? A world-class research facility?

Or is there other potential for the 840-acre island? Possibilities that would free Plum Island to embrace its celebrity? Already, the super-secure government facility's made its way into popular culture with a movie, "Silence of the Lambs," and a book, "Plum Island," by Nelson DeMille.

What else might lie ahead?

Here are 9 suggestions:

1 Make it a cultural destination.

The Plum Island Dinner Theatre presents: "When Hoof Meets Mouth, My Time in the New York State Legislature." Just about everybody in Albany could take a turn at the lead role. It's not as though they're busy doing much else.

2 Make it a challenge.

"Survivor: Plum Island." The cast ought to be able to find some really interesting things to eat.

Montauk Monster stew, anyone?

3 Make it a sports arena.

Let's strand Steve Levy and Rick Lazio behind the fence of a mixed martial arts octagon and see who makes it out first.

The winner takes on Andrew Cuomo.

4 Make it a wedding chapel.

Couples would arrive on The Love Ferry (these days, who's got time or money for a cruise). And they'd be married by Elvis, who, finally, could come out of hiding.

5 Make it a reality show.

On this version of "Big Brother," the cast lands in a black helicopter.

6 Make it a catchphrase.

Fantasy Island II: "The plague! The plague!"

7 Make it a mystery.

"What Killed Roger Rabbit?"

Wait a minute, do we really want to know?

8 Make it a movie set.

And see what kind of wonderful weirdness Tim Burton will create.

9 Make it a (your suggestion goes here).

Because I'm almost plum out of ideas.