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- Starting today, things are going to be different. I am announcing a course of action that would end live fire on Vieques, and commit to phasing out all training there. I will be directing the Defense Department to take concrete, and immediate steps to address the local community's concerns, while also giving our armed forces the time they need to transition to an alternative training site. Let me be very clear: during the transition period, the rules are going to be changing. This isn't just a change in policy - this is the beginning of a whole new relationship between our military and the people of Vieques.
The plan has four parts.
First, I'm ordering the Navy to cease training on Vieques within five years. I have asked the Navy to come up with a specific timetable to phase out operations there, and I am taking personal responsibility to make sure that timeline is met. We intend to begin transferring title to land to Puerto Rico as soon as possible -- beginning with the western quarter of the island. I am also directing the Pentagon to give me alternatives to Vieques training next year and begin to budget for it.
Second, I am ordering that the training done on Vieques during this transition period will be limited to only inert ordnance - no live fire.
Let me emphasize: the Navy will be ready to leave within five years. Only inert ordnance will be used in the transition period. Now, of course, if the people of Vieques decided to continue a relationship with the Navy down the road, on the same or different terms, that is their right.
Third, while the Navy and Marine Corps will resume training on Vieques during the transition period, I have cut in half the amount of time they will spend training. Last year, our troops trained for 182 days on Vieques. Next year, they will be authorized for 90 days, which is what we need to meet our essential training needs.
Finally, we will address the economic, health, and environmental concerns that the community has had for so long. Measures we will implement include, among other things, development of a new commercial ferry pier and terminal, an artificial reef to create new commercial fishing areas, temporary compensation for fishermen, expanding and improving roads, a bioluminescent bay preservation program, providing land to extend the airport runway, and a Public Health Service Study. To ensure these measures are taken -- and that the missed opportunities of our 1983 agreement are not repeated -- I will direct the Pentagon to establish a working group that will include senior officials representing the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of Defense. They will work with Vieques officials on all questions relating to the use of the range and coordination of transition issues.
While this plan will meet Puerto Rico's goals, I recognize it will not do so as immediately as some in the islands might have wished. But your voices have been heard, and we are moving as quickly as we can. I believe this is a good compromise that will provide the training necessary to ensure satisfactory Navy and Marine Corps combat readiness while also ensuring the safety and well being of the people of Vieques.
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To make this solution work, I need your help. I hope I can count on your cooperation to implement the measures I have outlined to allow the training of our troops to continue in a more responsible and much more limited manner during this transitional period while addressing the real concerns of the residents of La Isla Nena (la EES-la NEN-ya).
Puerto Ricans and the people of Vieques have contributed greatly to our country's security. And I am very grateful for that. I hope that all of us now can work together, with our Congress, to implement this plan.
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