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- # 5. Between the date of this directive and the referendum, the following will occur
## Overview
This document segment, titled "5. Between the date of this directive and the referendum, the following will occur," is part of a U.S. presidential directive concerning military training on the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico. It was issued in late 1999 as part of a broader policy response to public concerns over naval operations on the island. The text outlines specific interim measures to be implemented between the issuance of the directive and a planned referendum on the future of Navy activities in Vieques.
## Context
The segment is contained within the legal document [Vieques Remarks](arke:01KG2TSWADQKM6FJC6H5J03W80), which compiles President William Jefferson Clinton’s statements and directives on the Vieques issue, dated November 29, 1999. It follows a provision detailing infrastructure investments if the referendum supports continued Navy presence and precedes [Presidential Directive 1002](arke:01KG2TTKGE31F37J72DGFBMKH6), which outlines additional economic development funding. The document reflects the administration’s attempt to balance national defense needs with environmental, health, and community concerns following a fatal accident during naval training in 1999.
## Contents
The segment details six key actions to occur during the transition period before the referendum. These include ensuring the security and integrity of the training range through federal and local cooperation; resuming Navy training with strict limits—no more than 90 days per year and using only non-explosive ordnance; implementing noise-reduction measures near civilian areas; providing 15 days’ advance notice to Puerto Rico’s Secretary of State before major training exercises; and initiating federal funding for a Public Health Service study on community health impacts. It also mandates the transfer of 110 acres of Navy land to extend the Vieques Municipal Airport and requires environmental protections for sea turtles, marine mammals, and brown pelicans under the 1983 Memorandum of Understanding. Finally, it directs the Navy to submit legislation to transfer Western Vieques land (excluding key telecommunications sites) to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico by December 31, 2000, contingent on meeting CERCLA environmental standards.
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- 5. Between the date of this directive and the referendum, the following will occur
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- 5. Between the date of this directive and the referendum, the following will occur:
(a) The Department of Defense and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico will work in cooperation with relevant federal authorities to ensure the integrity and accessibility of the range is uninterrupted and trespassing and other intrusions on the range cease entirely by providing complementary support with federal, state and local jurisdictions.
(b) Navy training on Vieques will recommence, but it shall not exceed ninety days per calendar year and will be limited to non-explosive ordnance.
(c) The Navy will ensure that procedures are in place which will enhance safety and will position ships to reduce noise in civilian areas whenever possible.
(d) Before any major training occurs on the range, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, through its Secretary of State will be given fifteen days notification under the terms of the 1983 Memorandum of Agreement.
(e) The Office of Management and Budget will initiate a request to:
(1) fund a Public Health Service study in coordination with appropriate agencies to review health concerns raised by the residents of Vieques.
(2) To complete the conveyance of 110 acres of Navy property to extend the runway at the Vieques Municipal Airport to accommodate larger passenger aircraft. The Navy would provide training and
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supplemental equipment to bolster the airport fire, safety and resource capability.
(3) maintain the ecosystem and conservation zones and implement the sea turtle, sea mammal and Brown Pelican management plans as specified in the memorandum of Understanding of 1983.
(f) Within thirty days of this directive, the Navy will submit legislation to Congress to transfer land on the Western side of Vieques surrounding the Naval ammunition facility (except 100 acres of land on which the ROTHR and Mount Pirata telecommunications sites are located). This legislation will provide for land transfer not later than December 31, 2000. This transfer will be to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for the benefit of the municipality of Vieques as determined by the Planning Board of the Government of Puerto Rico. This land shall meet CERCLA standards prior to transfer.
6. This directive shall be published in the Federal Register and shall remain in effect.
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- 5. Between the date of this directive and the referendum, the following will occur