Search Results for agency_names:"Homeland Security Department"

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a notice regarding changes in flood hazard determinations for certain communities, based on updated scientific or technical information. These changes affect Base Flood Elevations, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries, and other related factors, and are reflected in updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps and Flood Insurance Study reports. Community members have 90 days to appeal these determinations following notification. The changes are made under federal regulations and aim to aid in floodplain management and the National Flood Insurance Program.

The Coast Guard is creating a temporary, moving security zone within a 500-yard radius around the vessel M/V ARC INDEPENDENCE in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. This zone aims to protect the vessel, its cargo, and the waterway from potential threats like terrorism or accidents. The security measures will be enforced from December 20 to 27, 2024, and nobody is allowed to enter the zone without permission from the Captain of the Port or their designated representative. This rule is enacted swiftly for safety reasons and has minimal impact on other vessels as they can request permission to enter the zone if needed.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced a request for public comments on the extension of an existing information collection concerning fire safety in hotels and motels. This collection helps maintain a list of accommodations that meet fire safety standards, which federal employees and other travelers can use to ensure safe lodging. The information is collected through the Federal Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Declaration Form and is published on the National Master List. Comments on this extension, which involves no change to the current collection, must be submitted by February 10, 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 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 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a notice amending an earlier major disaster declaration for South Dakota, originally dated April 5, 2020. This amendment, effective January 20, 2021, appoints Nancy J. Dragani as the new Federal Coordinating Officer for the disaster, replacing Lee K. dePalo. The notice also lists various federal assistance programs with catalog numbers available for disaster relief and recovery efforts.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced a major disaster declaration for Illinois, due to severe storms, tornadoes, winds, and flooding that occurred from July 13 to July 16, 2024. This declaration allows federal aid to be provided to impacted areas, with financial assistance covering up to 75% of eligible costs for hazard mitigation. Individuals in select counties, including Cook and Will, are eligible for help, and all areas in Illinois can access grants for hazard mitigation. Darrin Ricketts is appointed as the Federal Coordinating Officer for this disaster relief effort.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has amended the notice for a major disaster declaration in Oklahoma, originally dated December 21, 2020. This amendment, issued on January 13, 2021, adds several counties, including Alfalfa, Blaine, and Comanche, among others, to the list of areas affected by the disaster. These areas are now eligible to receive public assistance. The amendment also includes specific codes for federal assistance programs to help in reporting and obtaining funds.

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 Federal Emergency Management Agency's National Advisory Council (NAC) is holding a public meeting on February 12, 2025, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. The meeting, which will be accessible online and possibly in person, aims to discuss and vote on recommendations from the Planning for Animal Wellness (PAW) Subcommittee concerning emergency and disaster planning for animals. Public comments can be submitted in advance, and those wishing to speak during the meeting must register by February 7, 2025. The NAC seeks to incorporate feedback from a diverse range of stakeholders to improve FEMA's policies and plans.