Search Results for agency_names:"Homeland Security Department"

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking public comments on changes to a previously approved information collection related to training evaluation forms. These forms help FEMA assess the effectiveness of its training programs by collecting feedback from participants several months after completing the training. This helps FEMA understand how the training impacts the participants’ jobs and if the skills learned are being applied in real-life situations. FEMA invites comments on the necessity, accuracy, and effectiveness of this data collection to improve its processes.

The Coast Guard is establishing a recurring safety zone in Tanapag Harbor, Saipan, during the Escape from Managaha swim event. This zone is intended to protect participants and vessels from potential hazards caused by vessel traffic in the area. The safety zone will be enforced on a weekend morning between February and April, and only race participants, chase boats, and event organizers will be allowed inside. Vessels wanting to enter must get permission from the Captain of the Port or a designated representative.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking public comments on its plan to reinstate, with some changes, the information collection for two grant programs: the Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) and the Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP). These programs provide funding to enhance the security of transit systems and private bus operators against terrorism and other threats. FEMA is inviting feedback on whether the data collection is necessary and how it might be improved. Comments must be submitted by May 16, 2025.

The Coast Guard has announced a final rule regarding the Umpqua River railroad bridge in Reedsport, Oregon. This rule re-names the Central Oregon and Pacific railroad bridge to the Umpqua River railroad bridge and changes its operating schedule, allowing it to remain closed but opening for boats with a two-hour prior notice. The requirement for fog signals on the bridge has been removed, and updates to bridge names in regulations have been made to ensure accuracy. Despite these changes, the rule is not expected to significantly impact marine navigation or small businesses.

The Coast Guard has extended the timeframe for a temporary safety zone around the Kernwood Avenue Bridge, located between Salem and Beverly, Massachusetts, due to ongoing repair work. The zone will now be in effect until November 30, 2025. This safety zone is designed to protect people, boats, and the surrounding environment from possible risks during the bridge repairs. Generally, individuals or vessels cannot enter this zone unless they have special permission from the Captain of the Port Boston. The public is encouraged to comment on this rule by March 31, 2025.

The Coast Guard has issued a final rule to create a regulated navigation area around the Port of Miami. This rule sets a slow speed zone for vessels under 50 meters in length in Fisherman's Channel and the Main Ship Channel to reduce navigational hazards and protect vessels in this busy area. The rule, effective from January 29, 2025, aims to improve safety for both passenger and cargo operations by minimizing the risks posed by high-speed vessel traffic. The new measures also allow for better monitoring by law enforcement to ensure compliance and bolster port security.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a final rule to update regulations for temporary agricultural (H-2A) and nonagricultural (H-2B) workers. The rule aims to enhance the integrity of these programs and improve protections for workers. Key changes include strengthening rules against charging workers certain fees, providing increased flexibility and grace periods for H-2 workers, and enhancing whistleblower protections. The rule becomes effective on January 17, 2025.

The Coast Guard has set up a temporary safety zone in the Richmond Entrance Channel near Richmond, CA, to deal with a hydrocarbon release from the Richmond Long Wharf. Effective from February 10 to 16, 2021, this zone prevents unauthorized people or vessels from entering or passing through the area without permission from the Captain of the Port San Francisco. This measure is necessary to ensure the safety of life, vessels, and the environment while the response to the hydrocarbon release is underway. The rule emphasizes the temporary nature of this safety zone and assures minimal impact on local waterway users through prior notifications.

The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor have jointly proposed a new rule seeking public input on extending the Secretary of Labor's review system to specific temporary labor certification cases. This rule will allow the Secretary of Labor to review decisions related to H-2B temporary labor certifications made by the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals and the Department of Labor's Administrative Review Board. The proposal includes updates to existing regulations and aims to maintain efficient handling of cases without notable disruption. The departments are encouraging public comments on this proposed rule to ensure informed decision-making.