Rule2026-15967
Safety Zone; St. Johns River, Jacksonville, FL
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
August 6, 2026
Effective
August 6, 2026
Issuing agencies
Homeland Security DepartmentCoast Guard
Abstract
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters on the St. Johns River, Jacksonville, FL. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards associated with raising power lines across the river. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Jacksonville, or their designated representative. We invite your comments on this interim rule.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 150 (Thursday, August 6, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 150 (Thursday, August 6, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50714-50716]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-15967]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 165
[Docket Number USCG-2026-0935]
RIN 1625-AA00
Safety Zone; St. Johns River, Jacksonville, FL
AGENCY: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security.
ACTION: Temporary interim rule.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for
navigable waters on the St. Johns River, Jacksonville, FL. The safety
zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine
environment from potential hazards associated with raising power lines
across the river. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is
prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port,
Sector Jacksonville, or their designated representative. We invite your
comments on this interim rule.
DATES: This rule is effective without actual notice from August 6, 2026
through March 5, 2027. For purposes of enforcement, actual notice will
be used from July 27, 2026, until August 6, 2026. Comments and related
material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before September 8,
2026.
ADDRESSES: Although this regulation is published as an interim rule
without prior notice, public comment is nevertheless desirable to
ensure that the regulation is both workable and reasonable while the
rule remains in effect. If the Coast Guard determines on the basis of
comments submitted that changes to the temporary interim rule are
necessary, we will publish a temporary final rule, or other document,
as appropriate. You may submit comments identified by docket number
USCG-2026-0935 using the Federal Decision-Making Portal at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. See the ``Public Participation and Request for
Comments'' portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further
instructions on submitting comments. To view documents mentioned in
this preamble as being available in the docket, go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, type USCG-2026-0935 in the search box and click
``Search.'' Next, in the Document Type column, select ``Supporting &
Related Material.''
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this rule,
contact MSTC Harold Rissman, Sector Jacksonville Waterways Management
Division, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone (904) 714-7557, or email
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#541c35263b38307a117a063d272739353a14212737337a393d38"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b7ffd6c5d8dbd399f299e5dec4c4dad6d9f7c2c4d4d099dadedb">[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
II. Background and Authority
The Coast Guard received notification that Jacksonville Electric
Authority (JEA) would be installing new power line towers to raise the
height of the power lines across the St. Johns River, Jacksonville,
Florida. The project includes the use of a helicopter to stretch the
lines across the navigable channel over the St. Johns River. The
Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Jacksonville has determined that
potential hazards associated with installation and deconstruction of
power lines are a safety concern for anyone within the work area.
Therefore, the COTP is issuing this rule under the authority in 46
U.S.C. 70034, which is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the
marine environment in the navigable waters within the safety zone.
Because of these potential hazards, the Coast Guard is issuing this
rule without prior notice and comment. As is authorized by 5 U.S.C.
553(b)(B), the Coast Guard finds that good cause exists for not
publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) with respect to this
rule because it is impracticable and contrary to the public interest
since the hazardous conditions will be presented starting on July 27,
2026. The project creates an urgent need for a safety zone to protect
the safety of both the workers and the waterway users operating in the
vicinity of the project. An interruption of the project to accommodate
a full notice and comment period would also delay necessary operations,
result in increased costs, and postponement to
[[Page 50715]]
the completion date of the raising power lines across the river.
Additionally, the Coast Guard finds that under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3),
good cause exists for making this rule effective less than 30 days
after publication in the Federal Register because it is contrary to the
public interest. It is contrary to public interest because immediate
action is needed to respond to the potential hazardous conditions
created by raising power lines across the river.
Although this regulation is published as an interim rule without
prior notice, public comment is nevertheless desirable to ensure that
the regulation is both workable and reasonable. Accordingly, persons
wishing to comment may do so by submitting written comments as set out
under ADDRESSES in this preamble. Commenters should include their names
and addresses, identify the docket number for the regulation, and give
reasons for their comments. If the Coast Guard determines that changes
to the temporary interim rule are necessary, we will publish a
temporary final rule or other appropriate document.
III. Discussion of the Rule
This rule establishes a safety zone from July 27, 2026, through
March 5, 2027. However, the safety zone will only be in effect when the
helicopters are actively engaged in operations across the navigable
channel. The anticipated time for the window of helicopter operations
in the channel will be from 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. every day of
the week unless there is a reason that the operations cannot take
place. The window of time and dates are tentative and subject to
weather, supply chain delays, or other unforeseen circumstances. The
Coast Guard will rely on the methods described in 33 CFR 165.7 to
notify the public prior to activation. Specifically, the Coast Guard
will make notice of the safety zone via the Local Notice to Mariners
and issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners via marine channel 16 (VHF-FM)
as soon as practicable in advance of these scheduled closures.
The safety zone will cover all navigable waters in the St. Johns
River Ship Channel within the following points: Point 1 at
30[deg]23'23.3'' N, 81[deg]32'11.2'' W, thence to Point 2 at
30[deg]23'.3'' N, 81[deg]32'6.3'' W, thence to Point 3 at
30[deg]23'34'' N, 81[deg]31'6.2'' W thence to Point 4 at
30[deg]23'21.4'' N, 81[deg]31'1.6'' W; thence returning to Point 1.
Vessels and persons will not be allowed to enter the zone during this
time, unless authorized by the Captain of the Port.
IV. Regulatory Analyses
We developed this 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 analysis provisions of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, do not apply to rules that
are not subject to notice and comment. Because the Coast Guard has, for
good cause, waived the notice and comment requirement that would
otherwise apply to this rulemaking, the Regulatory Flexibility Act's
flexibility analysis provisions do not apply here.
Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), if this 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). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small entities
that question or complain about this rule or any policy or action of
the Coast Guard.
B. Collection of Information
This 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 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.
Also, this 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 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 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 rule involves a safety zone. It is categorically excluded from
further review under paragraph L60(a) of Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS
Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1. A Record of Environmental
Consideration supporting this determination is available in the docket.
For instructions on locating the docket, see the ADDRESSES section of
this preamble. We seek any comments or information that may lead to the
discovery of a significant environmental impact from this rule.
V. Public Participation and Request for Comments
Although we are promulgating this as a temporary interim rule for
lack of time to take comments prior to issuing the rule, we view public
participation as essential to effective rulemaking and will consider
all comments and material received during the comment period. 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 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-2026-0935 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 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
[[Page 50716]]
& 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 information 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 165
Harbors, Marine safety, Navigation (water), Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Security measures, Waterways.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends
33 CFR part 165 as follows:
PART 165--REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS
0
1. The authority citation for part 165 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 46 U.S.C. 70034, 70051, 70124; 33 CFR 1.05-1, 6.04-
1, 6.04-6, and 160.5; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No.
00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.
0
2. Add Sec. 165.T07-0935 to read as follows:
Sec. 165.T07-0935 Safety Zone; St. Johns River, Jacksonville, FL.
(a) Location. The following area is a safety zone: All waters of
the St. Johns River Ship Channel from surface to bottom, encompassed by
a line connecting the following points beginning at Point 1 at
30[deg]23'23.3'' N, 81[deg]32'11.2'' W, thence to Point 2 at
30[deg]23'.3'' N, 81[deg]32'6.3'' W, thence to Point 3 at
30[deg]23'34'' N, 81[deg]31'6.2'' W thence to Point 4 at
30[deg]23'21.4'' N, 81[deg]31'1.6'' W; thence returning to Point 1.
These coordinates are based on the World Geodetic System WGS 84.
(b) Definitions. As used in this section, designated representative
means a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, including a Coast Guard coxswain,
petty officer, or other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel and a
Federal, State, and local officer designated by or assisting the
Captain of the Port Sector Jacksonville (COTP) in the enforcement of
the safety zone.
(c) Regulations. (1) Under the general safety zone regulations in
subpart C of this part, you may not enter the safety zone described in
paragraph (a) of this section unless authorized by the COTP or the
COTP's designated representative.
(2) To seek permission to enter, contact the COTP or the COTP's
representative on VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone at (904) 714-7557.
Those in the safety zone must comply with all lawful orders or
directions given to them by the COTP or the COTP's designated
representative.
(d) Effective and Enforcement periods. This section will be
effective from July 27, 2026, through March 5, 2027, but will only be
enforced while the helicopter is engaged in the construction and
deconstruction of the lines and towers across the navigable channel of
the St. John's River. The COTP will make notice of the safety zone via
the Local Notice to Mariners and issue a Broadcast Notice to Mariners
via marine channel 16 (VHF-FM) as soon as practicable in advance of
these scheduled closures.
J.C. Aleksak,
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, Sector Jacksonville.
[FR Doc. 2026-15967 Filed 8-5-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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