Search Results for agency_names:"Homeland Security Department"

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary rule to create a safety zone in Queensway Bay, Long Beach, due to a fireworks display on December 31, 2024. This safety zone, in effect from 11 p.m. on December 31, 2024, to 12:30 a.m. on January 1, 2025, restricts entry into the area to protect people and the environment from potential hazards. Vessels and individuals are prohibited from entering the zone without permission from the Captain of the Port Los Angeles-Long Beach or a designated representative. The rule is intended to provide safety while minimizing impact on maritime activities, and the Coast Guard encourages small entities affected by the rule to reach out for assistance if needed.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a notice amending the emergency declaration for Alabama originally declared on September 26, 2024. This amendment officially closes the incident period as of September 29, 2024. It includes a list of federal assistance programs for reporting and fund withdrawal, such as Community Disaster Loans and Crisis Counseling. The responsible contact for further information is Dean Webster from FEMA's Office of Response and Recovery.

The Secretary of Homeland Security has decided to continue temporary travel restrictions at land ports of entry between the United States and Mexico due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These restrictions limit travel to "essential travel" only, which includes returning U.S. citizens, medical travel, educational travel, work-related travel, and certain other categories. The goal is to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and protect public health. These limitations do not affect air, freight rail, or sea travel but do apply to passenger rail and ferry travel, and they will be in effect from January 22, 2021, to February 21, 2021.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a notice amending a major disaster declaration in South Carolina, identified as FEMA-4829-DR, which was originally declared on September 29, 2024. The amendment, issued on October 23, 2024, clarifies the end date for the incident period as October 7, 2024. Additionally, the notice lists several specific federal assistance programs related to disaster relief that may be applicable for people affected by the disaster.

The U.S. Coast Guard announced new pilotage rates for 2025 under the Great Lakes Pilotage Act of 1960. The updated rates, which take into account factors like inflation, district operating costs, and an increase in the number of pilots, will result in a 7% rise in pilotage costs compared to the previous year. These changes are made to ensure safe and reliable pilotage services in the Great Lakes, catering to foreign merchant vessels and any U.S. vessel engaged in foreign trade. The Coast Guard reviewed public comments on these changes but made no alterations to the proposed rates.

The Coast Guard has established a temporary safety zone on the Ohio River from mile marker 452.0 to 454.0 near New Richmond, OH, to ensure safety during a planned demolition project. The safety zone will be in effect from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on February 26, 2021, with possible backup dates of February 27 or 28, 2021. During this time, entry, transit, or anchorage within the zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Ohio Valley or an appointed representative. The rule was implemented without prior public notice due to the urgent safety needs posed by the demolition.

The Department of Homeland Security has issued a notice regarding a mass influx of aliens in the United States. This finding was signed by the Acting Secretary of Homeland Security on January 23, 2025, and is documented under citation 90 FR 8399. The notice outlines the situation and is intended to inform the public and relevant agencies about the significant increase in individuals entering the country.

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary change to the operating schedule of the CSX Transportation Railroad drawbridge over the Mobile River in Alabama. This adjustment is being tested to assess whether a permanent change should be made, as CSX recently upgraded the bridge to be controlled remotely from Mobile, Alabama. During this period, the public is encouraged to provide feedback. The temporary deviation will be effective from January 27, 2021, to July 8, 2021, and aims to ensure navigation safety while accommodating the needs of waterway users.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has finalized new or modified flood hazard determinations for various communities. These updates involve changes to flood maps and reports, which help inform flood insurance rates and floodplain management requirements. Communities can access these updates online or at specified local Map Repositories. FEMA encourages property owners to review these updates to understand how they might affect insurance or property requirements.

The Department of Homeland Security has updated the rules regarding additional duties on products from China, including Hong Kong, due to changes in an Executive Order. These changes raise the tariffs from 10% to 20% on certain items, effective March 4, 2025. The order is part of a response to what the U.S. views as China's inadequate control over synthetic opioid supply chains. Some exceptions apply, such as items qualifying for de minimis exemptions, but these could change if the government determines that enough systems are in place to manage tariff revenues.