Search Results for keywords:"CNMI Economic Vitality

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection, part of the Department of Homeland Security, has announced the implementation of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Economic Vitality & Security Travel Authorization Program (EVS-TAP). This program is a specific part of the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program that allows certain pre-approved travelers from China to visit the CNMI without a visa for up to 14 days. The implementation of this program will start on February 20, 2024, and travelers will need to get an electronic travel authorization before going. The previous policy allowing Chinese nationals to enter the CNMI with parole will end on the same date.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program for fiscal year 2021. This program provides federal financial assistance to important transportation projects, focusing on enhancing highway and freight infrastructure of national or regional importance. Key objectives for project selection include promoting economic growth, addressing climate change, advancing racial equity, and encouraging innovation. The deadline for submitting applications through the Grants.gov platform is March 19, 2021.

The Maritime Administration under the Department of Transportation has announced the availability of $19.6 million in grants through the Small Shipyard Grant Program. These grants aim to enhance efficiency and quality in small shipyard operations, focusing on capital improvements and training for workers in shipbuilding-related industries. Applications for these grants are open until February 25, 2021, with strict eligibility criteria, including the requirement for shipyards to have fewer than 1,200 production employees. The program encourages the use of U.S.-produced goods and supports projects that aid rural areas and opportunity zones.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has added one site to the General Superfund section of the National Priorities List (NPL) according to a new final rule. This addition pertains to the Upper Columbia River site in Washington, which scored 28.50 or above on the Hazard Ranking System (HRS), indicating priority for further investigation. The NPL is used by the EPA to identify sites needing investigation for public health and environmental risks due to hazardous substances. The rule will take effect on January 15, 2025.

The Census Bureau, part of the Commerce Department, is inviting public comments on the Manufacturers' Unfilled Orders Survey, as part of their efforts under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This notice allows for 60 days of public commentary before the information collection request is submitted for approval. The survey collects important data to benchmark the monthly Manufacturers' Shipments, Inventories, and Orders Survey, aiding in the analysis of business conditions. The information from this survey helps refine economic insights used by various governmental and business entities. Public comments help evaluate the survey's necessity, accuracy, and potential improvements while aiming to reduce the reporting burden.

The Department of Commerce is seeking comments from the public and other federal agencies on their process of collecting information regarding objections to Section 232 adjustments on imports of steel and aluminum. This feedback will help them determine the necessity and impact of their data collection and find ways to make it more efficient and less burdensome. Citizens are encouraged to submit comments by April 1, 2025, and can do so via the provided email addresses. The information collected is used to evaluate national security considerations related to these imports.

NOAA has announced its plan to create a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) to support the implementation of projects under the Saltonstall-Kennedy Research and Development Program. This program aims to promote, market, research, and develop U.S. Fisheries to help fishing communities, ensuring sustainable and economically beneficial fisheries. As part of the process, NOAA is seeking public input by inviting comments on the potential environmental impacts and alternatives of the proposed projects, and it will hold several public scoping meetings to gather feedback. The deadline for written comments is March 25, 2021.

The New England Fishery Management Council will hold a public meeting from April 14-17, 2025, to discuss various issues affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone. The meeting, which will take place both in-person at the Hilton Hotel in Mystic, CT, and online, will cover topics such as risk policy implementation, fishery monitoring, essential fish habitat designations, and updates on several fish species and committees. Attendees will have an opportunity to provide public comments on relevant issues, and those with disabilities can request accommodations in advance. The meeting will also include a final day focus on scallop management and recent legislative updates.

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is holding a four-day public meeting from January 27 to January 30, 2025, in New Orleans and online. The meeting will address various issues affecting fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico, such as budget proposals, habitat protection, and fishery management plans. It includes updates and discussions from committees on topics like shrimp, reef fish, mackerel, and law enforcement. Public comments are encouraged, and accommodations are available for participants with disabilities.

The Foreign-Trade Zones Board has approved the establishment of a subzone for Tallaboa PR, LLC in Peñuelas, Puerto Rico. This decision follows an application and public comment process, during which the Board found that all legal requirements were met. The subzone, designated as Subzone 163N, will operate under the regulations of the Foreign-Trade Zones Act. The approval is documented in a notice published in the Federal Register.