US Navy transfers more land to Roosey Roads redevelopment authority

By THE STAR STAFF

The U.S. Navy has formally transferred three additional parcels of land to the Local Redevelopment Authority for Roosevelt Roads (LRA), advancing the long‑term redevelopment of the former naval base in Ceiba.

The announcement was made this week by LRA Executive Director and Economic Development and Commerce Secretary Carlos Ríos Pierluisi in a statement on the LRA website.

The transfer forms part of the federal Economic Development Conveyance (EDC) process, through which the Navy releases properties once they meet all requirements for conveyance. The newly transferred parcels -- identified as AOC F, Sites 731, 734 and 735 -- were conveyed through executed quitclaim deeds, expanding the portfolio of land now under LRA administration.

Ríos Pierluisi said each transfer marks a concrete step in the government’s broader redevelopment agenda for Roosevelt Roads under Gov. Jenniffer González Colón.

“Our responsibility is to receive these properties, manage them strategically, and prepare them to become opportunities for investment, economic growth, and job creation for Puerto Rico,” he said.

He added that the LRA will continue working closely with the Navy to integrate new parcels into the master plan as they become eligible for transfer.

To date, the Navy has transferred some 3,307 acres under the EDC mechanism. Roughly 345 acres remain subject to federal investigation, environmental remediation and closure procedures before they can be released, according to the Navy’s established timeline. The Navy indicated it will continue advancing environmental and regulatory work to enable additional transfers as remaining parcels meet federal requirements.

Liz Barris, director of the Navy’s Base Realignment and Closure Program, emphasized the significance of the latest conveyance. She noted that the three parcels -- totaling 2.3 acres -- bring the Navy to 93% of all land slated for transfer. Barris, who visited Roosevelt Roads this week, highlighted the progress made in environmental cleanup and preparation efforts, including the new ferry terminal.

“It is incredible to witness the impact of our collaboration in readying these areas for reuse, directly benefiting surrounding communities,” she said.

The LRA’s vision includes expanding maritime activity, tourism, innovation corridors and job creation across the eastern region.