00-14506. Security Zone: Dignitary Arrival/Departure and United Nations Meetings, New York, NY

AGENCY:

Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION:

Notice of proposed rulemaking.

SUMMARY:

The Coast Guard proposes to establish two permanent security zones near the United Nations Headquarters located on the East River at East 43rd Street, Manhattan, New York. This action is necessary to protect the Port of New York/New Jersey and visiting dignitaries against terrorism, sabotage or other subversive acts and incidents of a similar nature during the dignitaries' meetings at the United Nations Headquarters. This action establishes two permanent exclusion areas that are active from shortly before the dignitaries' arrival at the United Nations General Assembly meetings until shortly after their departure.

DATES:

Comments and related material must reach the Coast Guard on or before July 24, 2000.

ADDRESSES:

You may mail comments and related material to Waterways Oversight Branch (CGD01-00-006), Coast Guard Activities New York, 212 Coast Guard Drive, room 205, Staten Island, New York 10305. The Waterways Oversight Branch of Coast Guard Activities New York maintains the public docket for this rulemaking. Comments and material received from the public, as well as documents indicated in this preamble as being available in the docket, will become part of this docket and will be available for inspection or copying at room 205, Coast Guard Activities New York, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lieutenant M. Day, Waterways Oversight Branch, Coast Guard Activities New York [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Request for Comments

We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related material. If you do so, please include your name and address, identify the docket number for this rulemaking (CGD01-00-006), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and give the reason for each comment. Please submit all comments and related material in an unbound format, no larger than 81/2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying. The comment period for this proposed regulation is 45 days. This time period is adequate to allow local input because the locations have been used for United Nations General Assembly Security Zones in previous years. The shortened comment period will still allow the full 30-day publication requirement prior to the final rule becoming effective. If you would like to know they reached us, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. We may change this proposed rule in view of them.

Public Meeting

We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a request for a meeting by writing to the Waterways Oversight Branch at the address under ADDRESSES explaining why one would be beneficial. If we determine that one would aid this rulemaking, we will hold one at a time and place announced by a later notice in the Federal Register.

Background and Purpose

New York City is often visited by the President and Vice President of the United States, as well as visiting heads of foreign states or foreign governments, on the average of 12 times per year. Often these visits are on short notice. The President, Vice President, and visiting heads of foreign states or foreign governments require Secret Service protection. Due to the sensitive nature of these visits, a security zone is needed. Standard security procedures are enacted to ensure the proper level of protection to prevent sabotage or other subversive acts, accidents, or other activities of a similar nature. In the past, temporary security zones were requested by the U.S. Secret Service with limited notice for preparation by the U.S. Coast Guard and no opportunity for public comment. Establishing permanent security zones by notice and comment rulemaking gives the public the opportunity to comment on the proposed location and size of the zones. The proposed regulation establishes two permanent security zones that could be activated upon request of the U.S. Secret Service pursuant to their authority under 18 U.S.C. 3056.

These security zones have been narrowly tailored, in consultation with the United States Secret Service and the maritime industry, to impose the least impact on maritime interests yet provide the level of security deemed necessary. Entry into or movement within these proposed security zones would be prohibited unless authorized by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port, New York. The activation of a particular security zone will be announced via facsimile and marine information broadcasts.

Discussion of Proposed Rule

The two proposed security zones are as follows (all nautical positions are based on North American Datum of 1983):

The first proposed security zone at United Nations Headquarters includes all waters of the East River bound by the following points: 40°44′37″ N, 073°58′16.5″W (the base of East 35th Street, Manhattan), then east to 40°44′34.5″N, 073°58′10.5″W (about 175 yards offshore of Manhattan), then northeasterly to 40°45′29″ N, 073°57′26.5″W (about 125 yards offshore of Manhattan at the Queensboro Bridge), then northwesterly to 40°45′31″ N, 073°57′30.5″W (Manhattan shoreline at the Queensboro Bridge), then southerly to the starting point at 40°44′37″ N, 073°58′16.5″W. The proposed security zone prevents vessels from transiting a portion of the East River. Marine traffic will still be able to transit through the eastern 100 yards of the western channel of the East River. Additionally, vessels may transit through the eastern channel of the East River during this security zone. This zone is generally enacted from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. during the United Nations General Assembly meetings. Generally, these meetings take place from Monday through Saturday for two consecutive weeks. Normally this occurs between the final two weeks of September and the first two weeks of October.

This proposal is necessary to protect the Port of New York/New Jersey and visiting dignitaries against terrorism, sabotage or other subversive acts and incidents of a similar nature during the dignitaries' meetings at the United Nations Headquarters. This security zone has been narrowly tailored, in consultation with the United States Secret Service and the maritime industry, to impose the least impact on maritime interests yet provide the level of security deemed necessary.

The second proposed security zone at United Nations Headquarters includes all waters of the East River north of a line drawn from approximate position 40°44′37″ N, 073°58′16.5″ W (the base of East 35th Street, Manhattan), to approximate position 40°44′23″ N, 073°57′44.5″ W (Hunters Point, Long Island City), and south of the Queensboro Bridge. Marine traffic will not be able to transit through this portion of the East River because the proposed zone extends bank to bank, and there are no alternate routes available in the river to go around the zone. This proposed zone extends bank to bank while the President of the United States addresses, or is in attendance at, the United Nations General Assembly. Generally, this zone will only be activated once per year during one day of the annual U.N. General Assembly meeting during the Presidential address or while the President is in attendance. This address has been held during the final week of September for the past two years. However, due to the late notification of the daily security requirements from the Secret Service, there was insufficient time to follow notice and comment rulemaking to give the public the opportunity to comment on the proposed location and size of the zones. The Coast Guard expects this zone to be activated for only 2.5 hours during the morning and 3 hours during the afternoon.

This proposal is necessary to protect the Port of New York/New Jersey, the President of the United States, and visiting dignitaries against terrorism, sabotage or other subversive acts and incidents of a similar nature during visits by the President of the United States and dignitaries' meetings at the United Nations Headquarters. This security zone has been narrowly tailored, in consultation with the United States Secret Service and the maritime industry, to impose the least impact on maritime interests yet provide the level of security deemed necessary.

The actual dates that these security zones will be activated are not known by the Coast Guard at this time. Coast Guard Activities New York will give notice of the activation of each security zone by all appropriate means to provide the widest publicity among the affected segments of the public. Marine information broadcasts will normally be made for these security zones beginning 24 to 48 hours before the zone is enacted. Facsimile broadcasts will also be made to notify the public. The Coast Guard expects that the notice of the activation of each permanent security zone in this rulemaking will normally be made less than seven days before the zone is actually activated.

The two new security zones are being proposed to ensure the Coast Guard can provide the U.S. Secret Service with the services they require to protect the Port of New York/New Jersey and visiting dignitaries in a timely manner. This proposal will also give the marine community the opportunity to comment on the proposed zones location and size.

This proposed rule revises 33 CFR 165.164 by renaming the section heading to “Dignitary Arrival/Departure and United Nations Meetings, New York, NY” and adding two new East River locations to the listed zones.

Regulatory Evaluation

This proposed rule is not a “significant regulatory action” under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that Order. The Office of Management and Budget has not reviewed it under that Order. It is not significant under the regulatory policies and procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 FR 11040, February 26, 1979).

We expect the economic impact of this proposed rule to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under paragraph 10e of the regulatory policies and procedures of DOT is unnecessary.

This finding is based on the fact that we anticipate these security zones will be activated on an average of 12 times per year, and the minimal time that vessels will be restricted from the zones. Marine traffic will still be able to transit through the eastern 100 yards of the western channel and recreational traffic will also be able to transit through the eastern channel of the East River while the first, smaller security zone at the United Nations Headquarters is enacted. We anticipate that the second security zone at the United Nations Headquarters, shutting down the East River in the vicinity of the United Nations Headquarters, will only be activated once per year during one day of the annual U.N. General Assembly meeting during the Presidential address. This zone that shuts down the East River will normally only be in effect for 2.5 hours during the morning and 3 hours during the afternoon. Extensive advance notifications will be made to the maritime community via facsimile and marine information broadcasts. These security zones have been narrowly tailored to impose the least impact on maritime interests yet provide the level of security deemed necessary.

Small Entities

Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-612), we considered whether this proposed rule would have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 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.

This proposed rule would affect the following entities, some of which might be small entities: the owners or operators of vessels intending to transit or anchor in a portion of the Port of New York/New Jersey during the times these zones are activated.

These security zones would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities for the following reasons: Vessel traffic could transit through the eastern 100 yards of the western channel of the East River during the smaller security zone that is enacted when the President of the United States is not addressing the Assembly. Recreational traffic could also transit through the eastern channel of the East River during this same security zone. Before the effective period, we would issue maritime advisories widely available to users of the Port of New York/New Jersey by facsimile and marine information broadcasts.

If you think that your business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this 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 rule would economically affect it.

Assistance for Small Entities

Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small entities in understanding this proposed rule so that they can better evaluate its effects on them and participate in the rulemaking. If the rule would affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please contact Lieutenant M. Day, Waterways Oversight Branch, Coast Guard Activities New York [phone].

Collection of Information

This proposed rule would call for no new collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.).

Federalism

We have analyzed this proposed rule under E.O. 13132 and have determined that this rule does not have implications for federalism under that Order.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) governs the issuance of Federal regulations that require unfunded mandates. An unfunded mandate is a regulation that requires a State, local, or tribal government or the private sector to incur direct costs without the Federal Government's having first provided the funds to pay those costs. This proposed rule would not impose an unfunded mandate.

Taking of Private Property

This proposed rule would not effect a taking of private property or otherwise have taking implications under E.O. 12630, Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected Property Rights.

Civil Justice Reform

This proposed rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

Protection of Children

We have analyzed this proposed rule under E.O. 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. This rule is not an economically significant rule and does not concern an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that may disproportionately affect children.

Environment

We considered the environmental impact of this proposed rule and concluded that, under figure 2-1, paragraph 34(g), of Commandant Instruction M16475.1C, this proposed rule is categorically excluded from further environmental documentation. This proposed rule fits paragraph 34(g) as it would establish two security zones. A “Categorical Exclusion Determination” is available in the docket where indicated under ADDRESSES.

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 proposes to amend 33 CFR Part 165 as follows:

PART 165—REGULATED NAVIGATION AREAS AND LIMITED ACCESS AREAS

1. The authority citation for Part 165 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1231; 50 U.S.C. 191; 33 CFR 1.05-1(g), 6.04-1, 6.04-6, 160.5; 49 CFR 1.46.

2. In § 165.164, revise the section heading and paragraphs (a)(4) and (a)(5), and add new paragraphs (a)(6) and (a)(7) to read as follows:

§ 165.164

Security Zones: Dignitary Arrival/Departure and United Nations Meetings, New York, NY.

(a) * * *

(4) Location. All waters of the East River bound by the following points: 40°44′37″ N, 073°58′16.5″ W (the base of East 35th Street, Manhattan), then east to 40°44′34.5″ N, 073°58′10.5″ W (about 175 yards offshore of Manhattan), then northeasterly to 40°45′29″ N, 073°57′26.5″ W (about 125 yards offshore of Manhattan at the Queensboro Bridge), then northwesterly to 40°45′31″ N, 073°57′30.5″ W (Manhattan shoreline at the Queensboro Bridge), then southerly to the starting point at 40°44′37″ N, 073°58′16.5″ W. All nautical positions are based on North American Datum of 1983.

(5) Location. All waters of the East River north of a line drawn from approximate position 40°44′37″ N, 073°58′16.5″ W (the base of East 35th Street, Manhattan), to approximate position 40°44′23″ N, 073°57′44.5″ W (Hunters Point, Long Island City), and south of the Queensboro Bridge. All nautical positions are based on North American Datum of 1983.

(6) The security zone will be activated 30 minutes before the dignitaries' arrival into the zone and remain in effect until 15 minutes after the dignitaries' departure from the zone.

(7) The activation of a particular zone will be announced by facsimile and marine information broadcasts.

* * * * *

Dated: May 30, 2000.

R.E. Bennis,

Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the Port, New York.