Department of Homeland Security March 14, 2012 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Coast Guard is establishing special local regulations on the waters of the New River between the Esplanade Park and slightly east of the South Andrews Avenue Bascule Bridge in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the Red Bull Candola rowing event. The event is scheduled to take place on April 14, 2012. The temporary special local regulation is necessary for the safety of the event participants, participant vessels, and the general public during the event. Persons and vessels are prohibited from entering, transiting through, anchoring in, or remaining within the regulated area unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Miami or a designated representative.

The Coast Guard proposes to establish special local regulations on the waters of the Atlantic Ocean east of Cocoa Beach, Florida during the Third Annual Space Coast Super Boat Grand Prix, a series of high-speed boat races. The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 20, 2012. Approximately 30 high-speed race boats are anticipated to participate in the races, and approximately 200 spectator vessels are expected to attend the event. These special local regulations are necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters of the United States during the races. The special local regulations would consist of the following areas: (1) A race area, where all persons and vessels, except those persons and vessels participating in the high-speed boat races, are prohibited from entering, transiting, anchoring, or remaining; and (2) a buffer zone around the race area, where all persons and vessels, except those persons and vessels enforcing the buffer zone, are prohibited from entering, transiting, anchoring, or remaining.

The Coast Guard is establishing two safety zones to remain in effect throughout the duration of the construction and renewal of the Sellwood Bridge on the Willamette River, in Portland, OR. This action is necessary to ensure the safety of vessels transiting in close proximity to cranes, barges, and temporary structures associated with this construction project. During the effective period, all vessels will be required to remain outside the prescribed safe distance from the construction area while transiting in the vicinity of the Sellwood Bridge project; however, the establishment of these safety zones does not entirely close this section of the Willamette River. The section of the Willamette River between the safety zones will remain open for vessel transits, and it will have a minimum channel width of 138 feet at all times.

The Coast Guard is changing the regulation that governs the operation of the CSX Railroad Vertical Lift Bridge across the Anacostia River, mile 3.4, at Washington, DC. The change will alter the eight hour advance notice requirement for a bridge opening to a 48 hour advance notice requirement for a bridge opening. The operating regulation change gives more notice for trains and vessels to adjust their schedules accordingly to ensure safe and efficient transits across and under the bridge.

The Coast Guard is temporarily changing the enforcement periods of special local regulations for recurring marine events in the Fifth Coast Guard District. These regulations apply to three recurring marine events that conduct a rowing regatta and power boat races. Special local regulations are necessary to provide for the safety of life on navigable waters during these events. This action is intended to restrict vessel traffic in a portion of the Severn River at Annapolis, MD, the Nanticoke River at Sharptown, MD, and Prospect Bay at Kent Island, MD during the events.