FR 2024-28295

The recent action by the U.S. Coast Guard establishes a temporary safety zone in the waters surrounding the Glen Island Approach Bridge in Long Island Sound, located in New Rochelle, NY. This safety measure is enacted in response to the rehabilitation project of the bridge. From December 2, 2024, to May 27, 2027, construction activities will necessitate specific safety regulations to protect workers, vessels, and the local ecosystem from associated hazards.

General Summary

During the specified period, the construction will require restricting unauthorized personnel and vessels from entering the designated safety zone. The safety zone, quite literally, is an area marked to ensure no harm comes to the various stakeholders involved due to the ongoing bridge rehabilitation activities. The document outlines the specific geographical coordinates for the safety zone, thereby limiting traffic flow and ensuring safety around the designated area.

While the document asserts that the Coast Guard has the authority to enforce such zones, stakeholders are encouraged to communicate their feedback or concerns. The window for public comment extends to March 3, 2025, illustrating the Coast Guard's intent to foster community involvement and transparency throughout the construction process.

Issues and Concerns

Several areas in the document could benefit from added clarity or address potential gaps:

1. Cost Implications: There is minimal discussion regarding the financial impact on local governments or private entities due to these safety measures. An exploration of the estimated budget or detailed analysis could provide better insights for stakeholders.

2. Unforeseen Costs: The document omits plans for managing additional costs from potential delays related to weather or unforeseen circumstances.

3. Permission Protocols: Clearer guidelines and criteria are not provided for obtaining entry permissions into the safety zone, which could lead to confusion among mariners needing access during construction times.

4. Notification Procedures: If the project is completed early, there is a mention of suspending the safety zone, but no detailed guidance on the communication process for such circumstances is given.

5. Impact on Small Entities: The document briefly mentions the potential effects on small businesses but lacks detailed analysis or examples. It's important to address how this regulation might impact these groups and what relief or aid is available to them.

6. Environmental Concerns: There is sparse information on anticipated environmental impacts due to the bridge project, nor are there measures mentioned to mitigate negative effects outside procedural compliance.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

The establishment of the safety zone will affect different stakeholders in varying ways.

• Local Mariners and Residents: Residents and local mariners will experience changes in navigation routes leading to the potential for longer transit times. However, the emphasis on maintaining safety is a vital benefit that cannot be understated.

• Businesses and Small Entities: Local businesses, primarily those dependent on marine access, could see operational impacts. The absence of a thorough examination of these impacts may present challenges in adjusting to the imposed safety zone regulations.

• Construction Workers and Environmental Concerns: Ensuring the safety of construction workers and protecting the environment is paramount. While the regulation aims to secure these ends, additional information about environmental safeguards would strengthen community trust.

In summary, while the Coast Guard's temporary interim ruling seeks to address needed safety aspects around the Glen Island Bridge construction, there exists an opportunity to enhance clarity and community support through more comprehensive documentation and public engagement. Efforts in these areas could mitigate concerns and facilitate smoother transitions and collaborations with those potentially affected by these regulations.

The document related to the temporary safety zone in Long Island Sound primarily provides regulatory details about establishing a safety zone for the Glen Island Bridge rehabilitation project. However, there is limited information concerning the financial aspects, costs, or implications associated with this endeavor.

Financial Reference

The only specific monetary figure mentioned in the document is related to the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995, which requires that federal agencies assess the financial impact of their regulations. This Act considers regulatory actions that may result in expenditures by state, local, or tribal governments, or by the private sector, of $100,000,000 or more in any one year, adjusted for inflation. This clause ensures that significant economic burdens are recognized and addressed, although, in this case, the rule is not expected to lead to such financial expenditures.

Lack of Detailed Financial Information

The document does not delve into the specific budgetary allocations for the safety zone initiative or the Glen Island Bridge project. As highlighted in the identified issues, there is an absence of detailed analysis regarding the financial impact this safety zone might have on local governments or private entities. This gap suggests that stakeholders, including local businesses, might face uncertainties regarding potential economic impacts, such as disruptions or additional costs due to rerouting or navigation restrictions.

Additionally, the document does not articulate how unexpected costs, such as those arising from delays due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, will be managed. A better understanding of cost-sharing mechanisms or financial contingency plans could provide clarity and assurance to affected parties.

Commentary on Financial Clarity

Given the likely economic implications of the safety zone's establishment, the document would benefit from elaborating on how financial responsibilities are distributed among stakeholders. Clear guidelines about the potential financial support for displaced or affected parties, particularly small entities, could mitigate financial impacts and improve transparency.

Furthermore, while the document outlines the operational parameters of the safety zone, it misses a chance to discuss how potential financial burdens on mariners and related businesses might be eased. This could include exploring compensation measures or providing clearer entry guidelines to minimize disruptions.

In conclusion, while the core of the document centers around regulatory measures for safety, the inclusion of detailed financial information or anticipated financial outcomes could significantly enhance stakeholders' preparedness and planning. Addressing these financial aspects could provide a comprehensive understanding of the project's broader implications, ensuring more effective communication and stakeholder engagement.