Department of Homeland Security June 5, 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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).

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone June 30, 2023, through July 4, 2023, on the Kanawha River, Charleston, WV, for events associated with the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta. The safety zone will cover all navigable waters between mile marker 58 and 59. This action is necessary to protect regatta participants, the public, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by a regatta, as well as fireworks. This rulemaking prohibits persons and vessels from being in the safety zone unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Ohio Valley or a designated representative.

The Coast Guard announces the availability of the study results of the Pacific Coast Port Access Route Study. This study evaluated safe access routes for the movement of vessel traffic proceeding to or from ports or places along the western seaboard of the United States. As a result of the study data and public input, the Coast Guard recommends the establishment of voluntary shipping fairways (``fairway'') for coastwise and nearshore vessel traffic to promote the safe, unobstructed navigation of vessels in the study area.