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The U.S. Coast Guard has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval to continue collecting information for the Marine Transportation System Recovery. This information helps assess the status of ports and facilities following disruptions, such as natural disasters. The request for comments is open until March 29, 2021. The Coast Guard uses this data to devise recovery strategies to protect and repair essential infrastructure.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a notice seeking comments on proposed flood hazard determinations that could affect various communities as outlined in the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports. These determinations may involve changes to Base Flood Elevations, flood depths, or Special Flood Hazard Areas. Comments from the public are encouraged by July 16, 2025, as part of the process to participate or maintain participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. Communities affected by these changes can review proposed materials online or at community map repositories.

The Coast Guard, under the Department of Homeland Security, issued a final rule to rename the "Gulf of Mexico" as the "Gulf of America" in its regulations. This change follows Executive Order 14172, titled "Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness," and aims to ensure consistency across federal government references. No notice of proposed rulemaking was required for this rule as it makes no substantive changes impacting public rights or obligations. The renaming is effective March 17, 2025, and involves technical amendments with no additional costs to the public.

The U.S. Coast Guard will enforce special regulations for several holiday boat parades happening in the Los Angeles Long Beach area during December 2024. These rules are meant to keep people safe during events like the Morro Bay Holiday Boat Parade, Santa Barbara Boat Parade, and others. While these events are underway, boat operators must follow directions from patrol officers and cannot stop or interfere with parade participants. The enforcement is backed by federal law, and more information will be shared with the maritime community as the events approach.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is withdrawing its earlier proposed determinations related to flood hazards for Hartford County in Connecticut. This includes changes to aspects like base flood elevations and flood zone boundaries on official maps. This decision was officially made on January 8, 2025. If anyone has questions, they can reach out to Rick Sacbibit at FEMA for more details.

The Coast Guard has introduced a final rule to enhance cybersecurity standards for U.S.-flagged vessels and facilities. This rule mandates the creation of cybersecurity and incident response plans, appointing a cybersecurity officer, and implementing security measures like multifactor authentication and encryption. These steps aim to safeguard the maritime transportation system against increasing cyber threats. The Coast Guard is also inviting public comments on possible delays for these implementations.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued updates to the flood hazard determinations for various communities. These updates, shown in Letters of Map Revision (LOMRs), change aspects such as flood elevations, special flood hazard zones, and regulatory floodways. These changes affect the Flood Insurance Rate Maps and may impact requirements for floodplain management within the National Flood Insurance Program. Communities must implement these updates to continue participating in the program, although they have the option to adopt stricter measures if desired.

The Coast Guard has implemented a temporary rule to maintain a modified schedule for operating the Florida East Coast Railroad Bridge over the Okeechobee Waterway in Stuart, Florida. This rule, effective until May 31, 2025, aims to keep train traffic moving efficiently while ensuring predictable and reliable drawbridge openings for boats. The Coast Guard is extending the temporary rule without a prior notice due to insufficient time to evaluate necessary data before the previous rule expired. Public comments regarding this temporary rule are welcome until March 10, 2025, and any necessary changes will be considered for a final decision.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a notice requesting public comments on proposed changes to flood hazard determinations for specific communities. These changes might affect elements like the Base Flood Elevation or flood area boundaries on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). The goal is to collect feedback and information about preliminary FIRMs and supporting Flood Insurance Study (FIS) reports. These documents help determine flood management strategies and insurance rates. Comments can be submitted until April 26, 2021, and more information is available on FEMA's website.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), part of the Department of Homeland Security, has published a notice requesting comments on proposed flood hazard determinations. These determinations involve potential changes to Base Flood Elevations, flood depths, and other flood-related designations on FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). The notice aims to gather public opinion on these changes before they take effect, which may impact how communities qualify for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Communities can view these proposed changes online and submit comments until June 10, 2025.