Search Results for agency_names:"Transportation Department"

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has decided to grant exemptions to three individuals with epilepsy or seizure disorders, allowing them to operate commercial motor vehicles across state lines. This decision, effective from January 11, 2021, until January 11, 2023, was based on each individual's medical history and stable treatment regimen. The individuals granted these exemptions have been seizure-free for many years while on medication. The FMCSA believes that this exemption ensures a safety level similar to, or better than, what the standard regulations would achieve.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced final actions regarding the M-37 Improvement Project in Michigan. The project includes widening and reconstructing parts of the M-37 highway, adding new traffic signals, and repaving nonmotorized paths. The FHWA issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and a Section 4(f) de minimis finding, meaning the environmental impact is minimal. Claims for judicial review of these actions must be filed by September 15, 2025.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering a request to release and sell a 37.21-acre parcel of land at New Century AirCenter in Kansas. This action is necessary because the property was acquired with federal funds and must meet certain federal requirements before it can be used for non-airport purposes. The FAA ensures that selling this property will not affect future aviation needs and will be done at a fair market value. Public comments on this proposal are invited and must be submitted by February 18, 2025.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD), under the Department of Transportation, is looking to determine if a foreign-built vessel, named Open Seas, can be eligible for coastwise trade endorsement. This endorsement would allow the vessel to carry up to 12 passengers for hire. The administration is seeking public comments on how this might impact U.S. vessel builders or businesses using U.S.-flagged vessels. Comments, which can be submitted by February 5, 2025, should focus on whether approving this request could negatively affect domestic industry.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule to update the Class E airspace at Prairie Du Chien Municipal Airport in Wisconsin. This change involves reducing the radius of airspace from 9.3 miles to 6.6 miles and adding specific extensions from the airport in certain directions. The adjustments are necessary following the removal of a navigation aid and are part of the FAA's ongoing effort to manage airspace efficiently while ensuring safety. These revisions have been deemed noncontroversial and are not expected to have significant economic or environmental impacts.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, has withdrawn a proposed rule regarding the investigation of railroad accidents and incidents. The rule, initially published in October 2024, aimed to establish a standard process for information gathering and consultation with stakeholders during investigations. The decision to retract follows two negative comments criticizing insufficiencies and potential issues, including vague definitions and conflicts with existing practices. The withdrawal allows FRA to revisit the proposal and work with stakeholders to address concerns.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) under the Department of Transportation is considering whether a foreign-built vessel named "Regenero" can receive an endorsement to carry up to twelve passengers for hire in certain U.S. waters. This notice invites public comments on how granting such an endorsement might affect American shipbuilders or businesses using U.S.-flag vessels. The proposed service area includes parts of the U.S. East Coast, such as Rhode Island and Florida, excluding areas like the Gulf Coast. Comments must be submitted by February 5, 2025, and may be done through various methods such as online or mail.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule to establish Class E airspace at the Memorial Hospital Heliport in North Conway, NH, effective June 12, 2025. This newly established airspace will extend upward from 700 feet within a 6-mile radius of the heliport and is necessary for the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations. The changes accommodate new navigation systems and procedures to ensure safe air navigation. The action is considered routine and is not expected to have significant economic or environmental impacts.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a deadline of May 15, 2025, for airlines to submit their flight schedules for the Winter 2025/2026 season at several major U.S. airports: Chicago O'Hare, JFK, Los Angeles, Newark Liberty, and San Francisco. These airports are subject to specific scheduling processes to manage congestion and ensure smooth operations. At the Level 2 airports like Newark and San Francisco, the FAA encourages voluntary cooperation from airlines to avoid exceeding targeted scheduling limits. Slot management in the U.S. is a shared responsibility, with the FAA handling runway access while airport authorities manage terminal access.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD), part of the Department of Transportation, has received a request for a waiver to allow the vessel JAGUAR SHARK, a 41-foot motor yacht, to carry up to twelve passengers for hire. This waiver, if granted, would exempt the vessel from certain U.S. coastwise trade laws, which typically require vessels to be U.S.-built. The intended use for the JAGUAR SHARK is as a "live aboard charter boat" operating in Alaska, excluding Southeastern waters, with Homer, Alaska as its base of operations. Public comments on this waiver request are invited and can be submitted through the specified channels by February 8, 2021.