Proposed Rule2026-08726
Special Local Regulation; Marine Events Within the Captain of the Port Zone Columbia River
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
May 5, 2026
Issuing agencies
Homeland Security DepartmentCoast Guard
Abstract
The Coast Guard is proposing to establish minor changes to a Special Local Regulation (SLR) for certain navigable waters of the Columbia River. The SLRs are needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards from the associated marine events. This proposed rulemaking would prohibit persons and vessels from being in the regulated area unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Columbia River. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 86 (Tuesday, May 5, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 86 (Tuesday, May 5, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 24143-24146]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-08726]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 100
[Docket Number USCG-2026-0274]
RIN 1625-AA08
Special Local Regulation; Marine Events Within the Captain of the
Port Zone Columbia River
AGENCY: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is proposing to establish minor changes to a
Special Local Regulation (SLR) for certain navigable waters of the
Columbia River. The SLRs are needed to protect personnel, vessels, and
the marine environment from potential hazards from the associated
marine events. This proposed rulemaking would prohibit persons and
vessels from being in the regulated area unless specifically authorized
by the Captain of the Port, Sector Columbia River. We invite your
comments on this proposed rulemaking.
DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast
Guard on or before May 19, 2026.
ADDRESSES: To submit comments and view available documents, go to the
Federal Docket Management System at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> and
search for USCG-2026-0274.
[[Page 24144]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this
proposed rule, contact LCDR Jesse Wallace, Sector Columbia River
Waterways Management Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 503-572-
3524, or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b9eafaebeeeef4f9cccadade97d4d0d5"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="cc9f8f9e9b9b818cb9bfafabe2a1a5a0">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Table of Abbreviations
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Sec. Section
U.S.C. United States Code
USCG United States Coast Guard
II. Background and Authority
On January 15, 2026, United States Coast Guard (USCG) Sector
Columbia River Waterways Management personnel conducted public outreach
to all marine event organizers of events included in the established
SLR within the Columbia River Captain of the Port (COTP) Zone to
confirm if the information contained within the ``Date,'' ``Event,''
``Sponsor,'' and ``Location'' in Table 1 of 33 CFR 100.1302 was
accurate. ``The Big Float, group inner-tube float'' event is being
removed from the regulations due to its extended period of inactivity.
The sponsors from the following events requested changes to Table 1:
Richland Regatta Hydroplane Races, Columbia Crossing Swim, Spring
Testing Hydroplane Races, Kennewick Hydroplane Races, and the Columbia
River Cross Channel Swim (formerly known as the ``Roy Webster Cross
Channel Swim'').
Hazards from these events still include high-speed craft, which can
cause collisions and create dangerous wakes; for the swim events,
participants crossing the river are exposed to strong currents and
potential vessel traffic. The Captain of the Port Sector Columbia River
has determined that potential hazards associated with these events
still exist and are a safety concern for anyone within the established
regulated area. Therefore, the COTP is proposing this rule under the
authority in 46 U.S.C. 70051 and 70124, which is needed to protect
personnel, vessels, and the marine environment in the navigable waters
within the regulated area.
III. Discussion of the Rule
This proposed rule would update several established special
regulated areas. These changes include adjusting the date range for the
``Richland Regatta Hydroplane Races'' from the ``Second Weekend in
June'' to ``One weekend in June,'' and modifying the ``Columbia
Crossing Swim'' event window from the ``First Saturday after Labor Day
Weekend'' to ``One day in September.''
The event sponsor for the ``The Spring Testing Hydroplane races''
and ``Kennewick Hydroplane Races'' events is requesting the regulated
area to be extended 75 yards east (downriver) of the Interstate 395
Bridge to provide better accountability and safety for spectator craft.
The new regulated area for these events shall be changed as follows:
from ``Kennewick, WA. Regulated area includes all navigable waters
within the Columbia River in the vicinity of Columbia Park, commencing
at the Interstate 395 Bridge and continuing up river approximately 2.0
miles and terminating at the northern end of Wade Island'' to
``Kennewick, WA. Regulated area includes all navigable waters within
the Columbia River in the vicinity of Columbia Park, commencing 75
yards east (downriver) of the Interstate 395 Bridge and continuing up
river approximately 2 miles and terminating at the northern end of Wade
Island''.
The event sponsor for the ``Roy Webster Cross Channel Swim'' is
requesting the following changes: event name change from ``Roy Webster
Cross Channel Swim'' to ``Columbia River Cross Channel Swim'', event
date change from ``Annually on Labor Day'' to ``One day in August or
September'', and a location change from ``Hood River, OR. Regulated
area includes all waters of the Columbia River between River Mile 169
and River Mile 170'' to ``Cascade Locks, OR. Regulated area includes
all waters of the Columbia River between River Mile 149-150''.
The ``The Big Float, group inner-tube float'' event is being
removed from the regulations due to its extended period of inactivity.
In addition to the changes listed above, the ``Number'' column of Table
1 of 33 CFR 100.1302 will be updated for events listed below the inner-
tube float event to reflect its removal from Table 1. No vessel or
person would be permitted to enter the regulated area without obtaining
permission from the COTP or their designated representative.
IV. Regulatory Analyses
We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes
and Executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our
analyses based on a number of these statutes and Executive orders.
A. Impact on Small Entities
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than
50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this
proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities for the following reasons.
This regulation will only impact a small area for several hours.
The enforcement period is during a time when vessel traffic is normally
low. In addition, the Coast Guard will issue a Broadcast Notice to
Marines via VHF FM marine channel 16, which will allow small entities
to adjust their transit plans, and the rule allows vessels to request
permission to enter the regulated area from the COTP.
If you think that your business, organization, or governmental
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this proposed rule
would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment
(see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to
what degree this proposed rule would economically affect it.
Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), if this proposed rule will
affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction
and you have questions, contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section. Small businesses may send comments to the
Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and the
Regional Small Business Regulatory Fairness Boards by calling 1-888-
REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247).
B. Collection of Information
This proposed rule will not call for a new collection of
information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-
3520).
C. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments
We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13132,
Federalism, and have determined that it is consistent with the
fundamental federalism principles and preemption requirements described
in that Order.
[[Page 24145]]
Also, this proposed rule does not have tribal implications under
Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
As required by The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C.
1531-1538), the Coast Guard certifies that this proposed rule will not
result in an annual expenditure of $100,000,000 or more (adjusted for
inflation) by a State, local, or tribal government, in the aggregate,
or by the private sector.
E. Environment
We have analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland
Security Directive 023-01, Rev. 1, associated implementing
instructions, and Environmental Planning COMDTINST 5090.1 (series),
which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq), and have
determined that this action is one of a category of actions that do not
individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human
environment.
This proposed rule is a special regulated area. It is categorically
excluded from further review under paragraph L61.
V. Public Participation and Request for Comments
We view public participation as essential to effective rulemaking
and will consider all comments and material received during the comment
period. Your comment can help shape the outcome of this rulemaking. If
you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this
rulemaking, indicate the specific section of this document to which
each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or
recommendation.
Submitting comments. We encourage you to submit comments through
the Federal Docket Management System at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. To
do so, go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, type USCG-2026-0274 in the
search box and click ``Search.'' Next, look for this document in the
Search Results column, and click on it. Then click on the Comment
option. If you cannot submit your material by using <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, call or email the person in the FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT section of this proposed rule for alternate
instructions.
Viewing material in the docket. To view available documents, find
the docket as described in the previous paragraph, and then select
``Supporting & Related Material'' in the Document Type column. We will
post public comments in our online docket. Additional information is on
the <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> Frequently Asked Questions web page.
Personal information. We accept anonymous comments. Comments we
post to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> will include any personal
information you have provided. For more about privacy and submissions
to the docket in response to this document, see DHS's eRulemaking
System of Records notice (85 FR 14226, March 11, 2020).
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 100
Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Waterways.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard is
proposing to amend 33 CFR part 100 as follows:
PART 100--SAFETY OF LIFE ON NAVIGABLE WATERS
0
1. The authority citation for part 100 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 46 U.S.C. 70041; 33 CFR 1.05-1.
0
2. Amend Sec. 100.1302 by revising Table 1 as follows:
Sec. 100.1302 Special Local Regulations; Marine Events within the
Captain of the Port Zone Columbia River.
* * * * *
Table 1
[All coordinates listed in the table reference datum NAD 1983]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No. Date Event Sponsor Location
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.............................. First or second Rose Fest Dragon Portland- Portland, OR.
weekend in June. Boat Races. Kaohsiung Sister Regulated area
Association. includes all waters
of the Willamette
River shore to shore,
bordered on the north
by the Hawthorne
Bridge, and on the
south by the Marquam
Bridge.
2.............................. One day in May or Spring Testing Tri-Cities Water Kennewick, WA.
June. Hydroplane races. Follies Regulated area
Association. includes all
navigable waters
within the Columbia
River in the vicinity
of Columbia Park,
commencing 75 yards
east (downriver) of
the Interstate 395
Bridge and continuing
up river
approximately 2.0
miles and terminating
at the northern end
of Wade Island.
3.............................. One weekend in Richland Regatta Northwest Power Richland, WA.
June. Hydroplane races. Boat Association. Regulated area
includes all
navigable waters of
the Columbia River in
the vicinity of
Howard Amon Park,
between River Miles
337 and 338.
4.............................. Last Tuesday Kennewick Tri-Cities Water Kennewick, WA.
through Sunday Hydroplane Races. Follies Regulated area
in July. Association. includes all
navigable waters
within the Columbia
River in the vicinity
of Columbia Park,
commencing 75 yards
east (downriver) of
the Interstate 395
Bridge and continuing
up river
approximately 2.0
miles and terminating
at the northern end
of Wade Island.
5.............................. Second Saturday Swim the Snake... Blue Mountain Perry, WA. Regulated
in August. Resource area includes all
Conservation and navigable waters,
Development. bank-to-bank of the
Snake River, 500
yards upstream and
500 yards downstream
from the Washington
State Highway 261
Bridge at the
approximate position
of 46[deg]35'23'' N;
118[deg]13'10'' W.
6.............................. One day in August Columbia River Hood River County Cascade Locks, OR.
or September. Cross Channel Chamber of Regulated area
Swim. Commerce. includes all waters
of the Columbia River
between River Mile
149-150.
7.............................. First or second Portland Dragon DragonSports USA. Portland, OR.
weekend in Boat Races. Regulated area
September. includes the western
side of the
Willamette River
extending from Tom
McCall Waterfront
Park between the
Hawthorne and Marquam
Bridges, Portland,
OR: Line one starting
at 45-30'49'' N/122-
40'24'' W then
heading east to 45-
30'49'' N/122-40'22''
W then heading south
to 45-30'29'' N/122-
40'08'' W then
heading west to 45-
30'26'' N/122-40'14''
W then heading north
ending at 45-30'49''
N/122-40'24'' W.
[[Page 24146]]
8.............................. One day in Columbia Crossing 3 Rivers Road Pasco, WA. Regulated
September. Swim. Runners. area includes all
navigable waters,
bank-to-bank of the
Columbia River in
Pasco, Washington,
between river mile
332 and river mile
335.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William L. Mees,
Capt, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting, Commander, Coast Guard District
Northwest.
[FR Doc. 2026-08726 Filed 5-4-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on May 5, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.