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[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 250 (Friday, December 29, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 67330]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-31525]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
33 CFR Part 100, 110, and 117

[CGD 05-95-085]

Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; New Year's Eve 
Celebration Fireworks; Norfolk Harbor, Elizabeth River, Norfolk and 
Portsmouth, VA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of implementation.

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SUMMARY: This notice announces that 33 CFR 100.501 is in effect for the 
New Year's Eve Celebration Fireworks Display, an annual event held on 
December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1996. This regulation is necessary to 
control vessel traffic within the immediate vicinity of the event due 
to the confined nature of the waterway and the expected congestion at 
the time of the event. The regulations restrict general navigation in 
the area to provide for the safety of life and property on the 
navigable waters during the event.

EFFECTIVE DATES: These regulations are effective from 11 p.m., December 
31, 1995 until 1:30 a.m., January 1, 1996. If inclement weather causes 
the postponement of the event, the regulations are effective from 6:30 
p.m. until 8:30 p.m., on January 1, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Stephen Phillips, Chief, Boating Affairs Branch, Boating Safety 
Division, Fifth Coast Guard District, 431 Crawford Street, Portsmouth, 
Virginia 23704-5004 (804) 398-6204.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: .

    Drafting Information: The drafters of this notice are QM1 
Gregory C. Garrison, project officer, Boating Affairs Branch, 
Boating Safety Division, Fifth Coast Guard District, and CDR T.R. 
Cahill, project attorney, Fifth Coast Guard District Legal Staff.

Discussion of Rule

    On December 31, 1995 and January 1, 1996, Norfolk Festevents, Ltd. 
will sponsor a New Year's Eve Celebration. As part of the celebration, 
a fireworks display will be launched from barges anchored in the 
Elizabeth River off Town Point Park. A large number of spectator 
vessels are expected. Therefore, to ensure safety of both participants 
and spectators, 33 CFR 100.501 will be in effect for the duration of 
the event. Under the provisions of 33 CFR 100.501, a vessel may not 
enter the regulated area unless it is registered as a participant with 
the event sponsor or it receives permission from the Coast Guard patrol 
commander. These restrictions will be in effect for a limited period 
and should not result in significant disruption of maritime traffic.
    Additionally, 33 CFR 110.72aa and 33 CFR 117.1007(b) will be in 
effect while 33 CFR 100.501 is in effect. Section 110.72aa establishes 
special anchorages which may be used by spectator craft. Section 
117.1007(b) provides that the draw of the Berkley Bridge shall remain 
closed from one hour prior to the scheduled event until one hour after 
the scheduled event unless the Coast Guard patrol commander allows it 
to be opened for passage of commercial traffic.

    Dated: December 18, 1995.
W. J. Ecker,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 95-31525 Filed 12-28-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M
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