Demolition and disposal of the old U.S. Coast Guard pier structures at the former Roosevelt Roads base in Ceiba have begun, clearing the way for the Marine Business, Research & Innovation Center (MBRIC). Governor Jenniffer González announced the start on Sunday alongside Carlos J.
Ríos Pierluisi, secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) and executive director of the Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA) for Roosevelt Roads. Officials said MBRIC aims to position Roosevelt Roads as a Caribbean hub for innovation, research and economic development, serving as a platform to build specialized talent, foster applied research, and promote collaboration among companies, academic institutions, researchers and marine-sector organizations. Demolition, funded by a DDEC investment of more than $100,000, will take 15 to 30 days.
Officials noted that on June 29 the LRA began removing and disposing of lead-based paint materials, a required step before demolition. MBRIC will occupy roughly 53,990 square feet within Roosevelt Roads and will focus on training and certification for the region's blue economy. Project design is 90% complete, with the main building's plans fully finished; only exterior utilities and parking design remain, expected to be completed by year's end.