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Thursday, January 26, 2012

Pierluisi Predicts Economic Growth on the East Coast of Puerto Rico as a Result of Federal

Government’s Transfer of Roosevelt Roads Land to the Government of Puerto Rico

FAJARDO, PUERTO RICO- Resident Commissioner today celebrated the fact that lands within the former naval base at Roosevelt Roads had been conveyed from the U.S. Department of the Navy to the government of Puerto Rico in record time, and expressed confidence that the transfer would contribute to meaningful economic growth on the Island’s east coast.

“Today is a historic day—for the Administration of Governor Luis Fortuño, which completed this conveyance so swiftly; for the eastern region of Puerto Rico, whose economy was directly impacted by the closure of the Naval Station Roosevelt Roads; and for all the people of Puerto Rico, who will enjoy the economic development and environmental benefits that will soon be seen in this area,” said the Resident Commissioner in remarks delivered during the transfer ceremony.

“For those people who, for one reason or another, have expressed doubts about the
redevelopment plans of these lands—there should be no confusion. The intention of this Administration—of the Governor and I—is to utilize these lands to generate the greatest number of jobs and economic activity in this region that so badly needs it. . . . At a time when most countries, including the United States, are confronting significant economic challenges, this will not be an easy endeavor, but I am certain that Governor Fortuño and his team are going to achieve it,” he added.

Pierluisi underscored that, in only three years, the Fortuño Administration, through the hard work of its Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA), completed a comprehensive plan to reuse and redevelop the lands within the former base that made ecological and economic sense.

“In the five years that preceded the Fortuño Administration, the Puerto Rico government only managed to formulate plans and make generalized proposals that never became reality. The redevelopment plan of this Administration is a result of the participation and dialogue that took place among all the stakeholders: the communities in the eastern region, local government agencies, the tourism industry, the private sector, and the federal government. The approved plan contains all the elements needed to achieve sustainable development. It promotes essential economic growth and tourism goals, but does so in a balanced way that conserves our natural resources, ensures citizen participation, and meets critical infrastructure needs,” he said.

Given the importance of the redevelopment of the former naval base, the Resident Commissioner became involved in the transfer process as soon as he arrived in Washington in 2009. He supported the efforts of the LRA before the Department of Defense and other federal agencies, and obtained the support of his colleagues in Congress.

“In the process of gathering support from my fellow members of Congress, I found great allies like John Murtha, the late Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee;