Department of Homeland Security September 30, 2019 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of Base Flood Elevations (BFEs), base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundaries or zone designations, or regulatory floodways on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports have been made final for the communities listed in the table below. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that a community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In addition, the FIRM and FIS report are used by insurance agents and others to calculate appropriate flood insurance premium rates for buildings and the contents of those buildings.

Comments are requested on proposed flood hazard determinations, which may include additions or modifications of any Base Flood Elevation (BFE), base flood depth, Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) boundary or zone designation, or regulatory floodway on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), and where applicable, in the supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports for the communities listed in the table below. The purpose of this notice is to seek general information and comment regarding the preliminary FIRM, and where applicable, the FIS report that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided to the affected communities. The FIRM and FIS report are the basis of the floodplain management measures that the community is required either to adopt or to show evidence of having in effect in order to qualify or remain qualified for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In addition, the FIRM and FIS report, once effective, will be used by insurance agents and others to calculate appropriate flood insurance premium rates for new buildings and the contents of those buildings.

On September 08, 2019, the Captain of the Port (COTP) Savannah issued an Emergency Safety Zone in response to the grounding/capsizing of the M/V GOLDEN RAY (31[deg]07'39.66 North, 081[deg]24'10.58 West, between Saint Simons Lighthouse and the north end of Jekyll Island, in the vicinity of green buoy #19). This Emergency Safety Zone prohibited all vessels from approaching within 0.5 nautical miles of M/V GOLDEN RAY, unless authorized by the COTP. As of September 13, 2019, this Emergency Safety Zone remained in effect for all vessels of 500 GT and above. No vessels 500 GT and above were able to transit within 0.5 nautical miles of the M/V GOLDEN RAY unless specifically authorized by the COTP. For all other vessels, the Emergency Safety Zone was enforced for 150 yards surrounding the site. No vessel could transit within 150 yards of the M/V GOLDEN RAY unless specifically authorized by the COTP. As of September 19, 2019, USCG Captain of the Port Savannah has adjusted the safety zone surrounding the M/V GOLDEN RAY, so that no vessel is authorized access within 150 yards of the M/V GOLDEN RAY, unless authorized by the Captain of the Port. The previous safety zone established on September 12, 2019 is terminated.

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone in the Straits of Mackinac near Mackinac City, MI. The temporary safety zone is needed to protect vessels and spectators from the hazards associated with a fireworks show during the Mackinaw City Fall Colors Fireworks. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Sault Sainte Marie or a designated representative.

The Coast Guard is establishing a recurring special local regulation for certain waters of Kailua Bay, Hawaii. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters located at Kailua-Kona, HI, during the swim portion of the Ironman World Championship Triathlon and practice swim held on consecutive weekends annually in October. On both days, the swim events are held from 3:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. This rulemaking prohibits persons and vessels from being in the regulated area each day of the event unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Honolulu.