Department of Homeland Security March 12, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the SR 316 Blue Bayou Pontoon Bridge across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, mile 49.8, near Houma, Lafourche Parish, LA. This deviation will test a change to the drawbridge operation schedule to determine whether a permanent change to the schedule is needed. This deviation will allow the draw of the bridge to open on signal except during the regular school year on Monday through Friday except Federal holidays from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., and from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the Amtrak Railroad Bridge, across the Niantic River, mile 0.0, at Niantic, Connecticut. Under this temporary deviation a two-hour advance notice will be required for bridge openings between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. during the following time periods: March 21, 2008 to March 24, 2008 and March 28, 2008 to March 31, 2008. Notice may be given by calling the bridge on marine radio channel VHF 13, or by telephone at (860) 510-5628. Vessels that can pass under the draw without an opening may do so at all times. This deviation is necessary immediately to facilitate required bridge maintenance in order to prevent further disruption in train service and navigation.

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the Amtrak Railroad Bridge, across the Connecticut River, mile 3.4, at Old Lyme, Connecticut. Under this temporary deviation a two-hour advance notice will be required for bridge openings between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. during the following time periods: February 29, 2008 to March 5, 2008; March 7, 2008 to March 10, 2008; and March 14, 2008 to March 17, 2008. Notice may be given by calling the bridge on marine radio channel VHF 13, or by telephone at (860) 510-5622. Vessels that can pass under the draw without an opening may do so at all times. This deviation is necessary immediately to facilitate required bridge maintenance in order to prevent further disruption in train service and navigation.

This Notice announces that the designation of Somalia for temporary protected status (TPS) has been extended for 18 months through September 17, 2009, from its current expiration date of March 17, 2008. This Notice also sets forth procedures necessary for nationals of Somalia (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Somalia) with TPS to re-register and to apply for an extension of their employment authorization documents (EADs) for the additional 18-month period. Re-registration is limited to persons who have previously registered for TPS under the designation of Somalia and whose applications have been granted or remain pending. Certain nationals of Somalia (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Somalia) who have not previously applied for TPS may be eligible to apply under the late initial registration provisions. Given the timeframes involved with processing TPS re-registration applications, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognizes the possibility that re-registrants may not receive a new EAD until after their current EAD expires on March 17, 2008. Accordingly, this Notice automatically extends the validity of EADs issued under the TPS designation of Somalia for 6 months, through September 17, 2008 and explains how TPS beneficiaries and their employers may determine which EADs are automatically extended. DHS will issue new EADs with the September 17, 2009 expiration date to eligible TPS beneficiaries who timely re-register and apply for an EAD.

The National Fire Academy Board of Visitors will meet on April 2-3, 2008.