Coast Guard re-opens comment period on proposed regulated navigation areas

SEATTLE – The Coast Guard is re-opening the period for the public to provide written comments on a proposed rule to establish Regulated Navigation Areas along the Oregon and Washington coasts.

All comments must be received by the Coast Guard no later than June 30, 2009.

Additionally, the Coast Guard will be holding a third public meeting to receive oral and written comments. The meeting will be held in Coos Bay, Ore., June 2, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at:

The Red Lion Hotel
1313 N. Bayshore Drive
Coos Bay, OR 97420
(541) 267-4141

The proposed rule would realign current procedures for restricting recreational and uninspected passenger vessel traffic from crossing a hazardous bar under the Port and Waterways Safety Act. The proposed rule would also streamline current procedures for closing hazardous bars within the Regulated Navigation Area during severe environmental conditions. In addition, the proposed rule would establish additional safety requirements for recreational and small commercial vessels to comply with during certain hazardous conditions. This proposed rule would mitigate the risks associated with the bars and enhance the safety of the persons and vessels operating on and in the vicinity of them.

The Coast Guard encourages the public to view the proposed rule at 74 FR 7022 and to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related materials to the docket at http://www.regulations.gov, docket number: USCG-2008-1017. All comments received will be posted, without change.


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