FR 2025-02578

The document issued by the Coast Guard, a part of the Department of Homeland Security, establishes a temporary safety zone on the Potomac River. This zone stretches between the 14th Street Bridge and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, affecting this segment of the river from February 7, 2025, to February 21, 2025. This measure responds to an unfortunate midair collision between a regional jet and a Black Hawk helicopter, which resulted in the jet landing in the Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport. The purpose of this safety zone is to protect first responders, vessels, and the public from potential hazards such as debris and jet fuel while ensuring a safe environment for salvage operations.

Summary of the Document

At its core, the document sets forth a temporary rule that prohibits unauthorized individuals and vessels from entering the designated segment of the Potomac River. It grants the Captain of the Port (COTP) Maryland-National Capital Region or their representative the authority to control movements within this safety zone. This decision is framed as essential to respond rapidly to the emergency situation and ensure the safety of personnel involved in salvage operations and other activities stemming from the aircraft collision.

Significant Issues and Concerns

The document includes technical terminology like latitude and longitude coordinates, statutes, and regulations that may be challenging for the general public to grasp without additional context. Moreover, the specific dates selected for this safety zone—February 7 to February 21—are not explained within the document. This lack of clarity might leave individuals wondering about the criteria or circumstances that dictated this timeframe.

The process outlined for vessels to seek permission to enter the safety zone could be perceived as complex or burdensome. Mariners unfamiliar with the Coast Guard's procedures may find the immediate compliance requirement and potential for entry denial a source of concern.

Broad Public Impact

For the general public, this safety zone might result in minor inconveniences, especially for those who frequently navigate the waters or reside near the affected area. However, it is also an essential measure to safeguard lives and property in response to a significant accident.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

First Responders and Salvage Teams: The safety zone provides a protected environment for those involved in rescue and salvage operations, ensuring they can work without being exposed to hazards from marine traffic.

Mariners and Local Businesses: Vessel operators, including small businesses operating on the river, might experience disruptions to their usual routes. While safety is paramount, the restriction could temporarily impact business operations and daily travel for those relying on access to this part of the river.

Regulatory Bodies: The Coast Guard bears the responsibility of enforcement, necessitating allocation of resources and personnel to the task. This burden underscores the importance of the safety zone and the Coast Guard’s commitment to public safety during emergencies.

In conclusion, while the safety zone serves a critical function in ensuring security following an aviation incident, understanding its details, the enforcement process, and addressing public concerns effectively could enhance compliance and minimize confusion for those impacted.

The document related to the establishment of a temporary safety zone on the Potomac River, as provided by the Coast Guard, contains a reference to financial aspects primarily through the lens of potential expenditures triggered by federal regulatory actions. Specifically, the text mentions the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and highlights actions that might lead to spending by state, local, or tribal governments, or the private sector.

Financial Spending and Implications

Within the text, there is a notable mention of expenditure thresholds related to federal regulatory actions. The document refers to actions that could result in spending of $100,000,000 or more by state, local, or tribal governments, or the private sector in any given year. This threshold acts as a benchmark for federal agencies to assess the economic impact of their rules.

In the context of the safety zone establishment on the Potomac River, this immense figure serves as a backdrop against which the Coast Guard considers the financial implications of its rulings. However, it is crucial to understand that this rule, specifically, is not anticipated to reach such a level of financial impact. The Coast Guard asserts in the document that the rule "will not result in such an expenditure," thereby indicating that the expected costs, such as those related to enforcement and compliance, are not significant enough to surpass this threshold.

Relation to Identified Issues

While the document does not discuss spending in detail, an issue arises around the lack of a thorough cost analysis or explanation of resource allocation. This can lead to questions about how much financial resources the Coast Guard will allocate for enforcing this rule and whether these have been efficiently planned. There is no specific breakdown of costs or expected financial allocations mentioned, leading to potential concerns about transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Overall, while the document refers to fiscal considerations within the context of broader federal regulation, specific financial allocations pertaining to this rule are not outlined. This absence of detailed financial information could be perceived as an oversight, particularly given the potential complexity and costs associated with establishing a safety zone in such a critical and busy waterway.

For a comprehensive understanding, individuals might expect the document to further elaborate on how resources are allocated to support the necessary enforcement actions, as well as to address the broader economic impact on affected entities, especially those construed as small businesses. This would align with the document's stated intention to not significantly impact small entities economically.