Department of Homeland Security May 4, 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This action amends the ``Security Training for Surface Transportation Employees'' (Security Training) final rule (published March 23, 2020, and amended May 1, 2020, and October 26, 2020) to extend the compliance date by which a security training program must be submitted to TSA, and make minor technical corrections. TSA is aware that many owner/operators within the scope of this rule's applicability may be unable to meet the compliance deadline for submission of the required security training programs to TSA for approval because of the impact of COVID-19 as well as actions taken at various levels of government to address this public health crisis. In response, TSA is extending the compliance deadline for submission of the required security training program from March 22, 2021, to no later than June 21, 2021. Should TSA determine that an additional extension of time is necessary based upon the impact of the COVID-19 public health crisis, TSA will publish a document in the Federal Register announcing an updated compliance date for this requirement.

The Coast Guard is modifying the operating schedule that governs the Route 7 Bridge, across the Hackensack River, mile 3.1, at Jersey City, NJ. The bridge owner, New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), submitted a request to allow the bridge to require four hours advance notice for bridge openings. This final rule would create efficiency in drawbridge operations and better serve the needs of the community while continuing to meet the reasonable needs of navigation.

The Coast Guard will enforce established safety zones for maritime events starting in May 2021 to provide for the safety of life on navigable waterways. Our regulation for safety zones within the Captain of the Port Sault Sainte Marie Zone identifies the regulated area for these safety zones. During the enforcement periods, vessels must stay out of the established safety zone and may only enter with permission from the designated representative of the Captain of the Port Sault Sainte Marie.

The Coast Guard proposes to authorize the Amtrak Railroad Bridge, mile 3.77, across the South Branch of the Chicago River, to be operated remotely and establish an intermediate opening position. The request was made by the bridge owner. This proposed rule will improve vessel flow through the river. This proposed rule will not change the operating schedule of the bridge.