RFP issued for recreational marina at former Roosevelt Roads base
By The Star Staff
The Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA) for Naval Station Roosevelt Roads (NSRR) in Ceiba has issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking firms with expertise to design, finance, build, operate and maintain a recreational marina, inclusive of related hospitality, residential and commercial mixed uses.
The deadline to turn in proposals is Nov. 12.
The LRA is looking for a developer and operator that will be able to sustainably expand the existing marina infrastructure “to enhance the appreciation of the marina’s natural and scenic resources, while establishing NSRR as an outdoor recreation destination and expanding the local and regional tourism economy,” according to the RFP.
Marina expansion may include but is not limited to dry stack storage, nautical tourism-oriented residential and lodging facilities, nautical tourism-oriented commercial facilities, and ancillary services facilities.
The redevelopment and design of the project should consider minimizing environmental impacts through sensitive siting improvements; protecting and enhancing habitat areas within and around the site; welcoming the most diverse range of people possible; and developing and maintaining good community relations with all stakeholders, specifically with the LRA, the municipality of Ceiba and nearby communities, according to the RFP.
The selected proponent must secure all of the financing for construction of necessary buildings, land improvements and infrastructure, as the government will not provide any funding. The proponent must also provide information on the total investment required for the project.
While the government will not provide any subsidy, the LRA said it intends to develop a power generation facility within NSRR, including components that render more reliable power, with less environmental impact at a reduced cost to NSRR tenants as compared to the current utility rates.
On Oct. 12 and Oct. 19, the LRA will hold two sessions of mandatory pre-submittal meetings and premises tours. The pre-submittal meeting and site visit on Oct. 19 will be optional for those who participated in the first pre-submittal meeting and site visit.
The LRA owns and leases from the United States Navy some 3,400 acres at NSRR. The project will be located on 45.71 acres of NSRR land. NSRR was used as a military installation from its acquisition and development by the Navy in the 1940s until its closure in 2004.