Document ID: USCG-2020-0154-0011
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Anchorage Regulations; Mississippi River, Mile Markers 12 to 85 Above Head of Passes
Posted Date: 2021-08-30T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 165 (Monday, August 30, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48354-48357]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-18467]

[[Page 48354]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 110

[Docket Number USCG-2020-0154]
RIN 1625-AA01

Anchorage Regulations; Mississippi River, Mile Markers 12 to 85 
Above Head of Passes

AGENCY: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to amend anchorage regulations for 
the Lower Mississippi River (LMR) between mile markers (MM) 12 and 85 
Above Head of Passes (AHP). This action would modify nine anchorages 
and establish one new anchorage grounds. The rule would increase the 
available anchorage areas necessary to accommodate vessel traffic, 
promote navigational safety, provide for the overall safe and efficient 
flow of vessel traffic and commerce, and bolster the economy through 
increased anchorage capacity. We invite your comments on this proposed 
rulemaking.

DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast 
Guard on or before September 29, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2020-0154 using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. See the ``Public Participation and Request for 
Comments'' portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further 
instructions on submitting comments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions about this 
proposed rulemaking, call or email Lieutenant Commander Thao Nguyen, 
Sector New Orleans, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 504-365-2231, email 
Thao.V.Nguyen@uscg.mil.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Table of Abbreviations

AHP Above Head of Passes
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
COTP Captain of the Port Sector New Orleans
CPRA Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority
CRPPA Crescent River Port Pilots' Association
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
LDB Left Descending Bank
LMR Lower Mississippi River
MM Mile Marker
MNSA Maritime Navigation Safety Association
NOI Notice of Inquiry
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
RDB Right Descending Bank
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background, Purpose, and Legal Basis

    The legal basis and authorities for this notice of proposed 
rulemaking are found in 46 U.S.C. 70006, 33 CFR 109.05, 33 CFR 1.05-1, 
and DHS Delegation No. 0170.1, which collectively authorize the Coast 
Guard to propose, establish, and define regulatory anchorage grounds. 
Under Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Sec.  109.05, 
U.S. Coast Guard District Commanders are delegated the authority to 
establish anchorage grounds by the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. 
The Coast Guard established Anchorage Grounds under Title 33 CFR 
110.1(b), Subpart B (32 FR 17728, Dec. 12, 1967, as amended by 52 FR 
33811, Sept. 8, 1987; 63 FR 5526, June 30, 1998).
    The Coast Guard proposes to amend nine existing anchorage grounds; 
Boothville Anchorage (33 CFR 110.195(a)(4)), Magnolia Anchorage (33 CFR 
110.195(a)(7)), Davant Anchorage (33 CFR 110.195(a)(9)), Wills Point 
Anchorage (33 CFR 110.195(a)(11)), Cedar Grove Anchorage (33 CFR 
110.195(a)(12)), Belle Chasse Anchorage (33 CFR 110.195(a)(13)), Lower 
12 Mile Point Anchorage (33 CFR 110.195(a)(14)), Lower 9 Mile Anchorage 
(33 CFR 110.195(a)(15)), Point Michel Anchorage (33 CFR 
110.195(a)(35)), and to establish one new anchorage grounds--Phoenix 
Anchorage at 33 CFR 110.195(a)(37).
    The project to modify or establish multiple anchorage grounds along 
the LMR was initiated in 2019. From 2019 through 2021, certain port 
stakeholders, (including Crescent River Port Pilots' Association 
(CRPPA), Maritime Navigation Safety Association (MNSA), Coastal 
Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) and United States Coast 
Guard (USCG)) worked to determine if the proposed modifications were 
necessary and in suitable locations with consideration given to, among 
other things, environmental factors.
    The Coast Guard published a Notice of Inquiry (NOI), 85 FR 61671, 
on September 30, 2020. The NOI solicited comments from maritime 
stakeholders on the proposal to amend ten existing anchorage grounds 
and to establish two new anchorage grounds. At the end of the comment 
period, ending on November 30, 2020, we received a total of nine 
comments. The Coast Guard addresses the comments below.
    Seven of the nine comments supported the proposed modifications of 
existing or establishment of new anchorage grounds along the Lower 
Mississippi River (LMR); one comment opposed several of the proposed 
modifications of existing or establishment of new anchorage grounds 
along the LMR (detailed below), and one comment was outside of the 
scope of the NOI as it related to change in presidency.
    One commenter objected to the following modifications/new 
anchorages:
    (1) 0.6 miles establishment of Phoenix Anchorage located at Mile 
Marker (MM) 57.82-58.42. The justification provided was that the 
anchorage could conflict with a borrow source identified for marsh 
restoration.
    The Coast Guard does not agree with this objection. Operations 
routinely occur along the Mississippi River in and around anchorage 
grounds and impacts to navigation and work-sites, such as the borrow 
site, are minimal.
    (2) 0.3 miles expansion of Davant Anchorage located at MM 52.8-
53.9. The justification was that the anchorage could conflict with a 
borrow source identified for marsh restoration.
    The Coast Guard does not agree with this objection. Operations 
routinely occur along the Mississippi River in and around anchorage 
grounds and impacts to navigation and work-sites, such as the borrow 
site, are minimal.
    (3) 0.1 miles expansion of Magnolia Anchorage located at MM 45.5-
47.6. The justification was that the anchorage could conflict with a 
borrow source identified for marsh restoration.
    The Coast Guard does not agree with this objection. Operations 
routinely occur along the Mississippi River in and around anchorage 
grounds and impacts to navigation and work-sites, such as the borrow 
site, are minimal.
    (4) 0.95 miles expansion of Boothville Anchorage located at MM 
13.0-18.5. The justification was that the anchorage could conflict with 
a borrow source identified for marsh restoration.
    The Coast Guard does not agree with this objection. Operations 
routinely occur along the Mississippi River in and around anchorage 
grounds and impacts to navigation and work-sites, such as the borrow 
site, are minimal.
    (5) 0.2 miles expansion of Alliance Anchorage located at MM 63.8-
65.8. The justification was that the anchorage could conflict with a 
borrow source identified for marsh restoration.
    The Coast Guard does not agree with this objection. Operations 
routinely

[[Page 48355]]

occur along the Mississippi River in and around anchorage grounds and 
impacts to navigation and work-sites, such as the borrow site, are 
minimal.
    (6) 0.2 miles shift upriver and 0.15 miles expansion of Wills Point 
Anchorage currently located at MM 66.5-67.6. The proposed location 
would be MM 66.7-67.9. The provided justification was twofold. First, 
the shift upriver would directly overlap with the footprint of the Mid-
Breton Sediment Diversion intake structure located at MM 68 that is 
intended to convey sediment, fresh water, and nutrients from the 
Mississippi River into Mid-Breton Sound Basin to reduce coastal land 
loss and sustain surrounding wetlands. Second, the anchorage could 
conflict with a borrow source for marsh restoration.
    The Coast Guard agrees that the proposed shift upriver and 
expansion of the anchorage could pose negative impacts to the Mid-
Breton sediment Diversion intake structure. The Coast Guard does not 
agree with second part of the objection. Operations routinely occur 
along the Mississippi River in and around anchorage grounds and impacts 
to navigation and work-sites, such as the borrow site, are minimal.
    (7) 0.5 miles establishment of Bertrandville Anchorage located at 
MM 68.5-69.0. The justification was that the anchorage, being directly 
upriver of the Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion intake structure, would 
obstruct the intake flowline and could pose a navigational safety 
concern.
    The Coast Guard agrees that the proposed establishment of an 
anchorage grounds at this location could pose negative impacts to the 
Mid-Breton sediment Diversion intake structure.
    Note: The following anchorages were mentioned in the opposition 
comment but are not locations that are being considered for amendment 
by this rulemaking at this time: Myrtle Grove anchorage and Point 
Celeste Anchorage.
    In March 2021, two additional comments were received from 
stakeholders. Although these comments were received outside of the NOI 
comment period, the Coast Guard chose to consider them. In one new 
comment, the commenter that submitted the opposing comments above 
withdrew their opposing comments on items 1-4 listed above (Phoenix, 
Davant, Magnolia, and Boothville Anchorages), but maintained the 
objections raised in items 5-7 to the expansions of Wills Point 
Anchorage and Alliance Anchorage and the establishment of Bertrandville 
Anchorage. The second new comment proposed to remove the establishment 
of Bertrandville Anchorage from consideration to expand Wills Point 
Anchorage from MM 66.5-67.9 and decrease the width of the anchorage to 
500 feet.
    After considering the stakeholder comments, the Coast Guard has 
decided that: (1) The width reduction at Wills Point Anchorage will be 
added to this proposed rulemaking, (2) the length expansions and shift 
at Wills Point Anchorage and the length expansion at Alliance Anchorage 
would not be further pursued at this time, and (3) the establishment of 
a new anchorage ground at Bertrandville would not be further pursued at 
this time.
    The purpose of this proposed rule is to improve navigational 
safety, providing for the overall safe and efficient flow of vessel 
traffic and commerce, and bolster the economy through increased 
anchorage capacity, thus streamlining vessel throughput and increasing 
ship to port interactions.
    The Coast Guard is proposing this rulemaking under authority in 46 
U.S.C. 70006.

III. Discussion of Proposed Rule

    The Commander of Coast Guard District Eight proposes to establish 
one new anchorage ground and amend nine existing anchorage grounds 
along the LMR, ranging from MM 12 to MM 85 AHP. There are not currently 
adequate anchorage grounds along the river system to facilitate the 
safe anchorage of shallow and deep draft vessels along the LMR. This 
proposed action would ensure the safety and efficiency of navigation of 
vessels transiting in and out of the LMR. The specific anchorage 
boundaries are described in detail in the proposed regulatory text at 
the end of the document. In general, this proposed rule will have the 
following effects:
    1. Increase the length of the Boothville Anchorage from 5.5 miles 
to 6.45 miles (33 CFR 110.195(a)(4)).
    2. Increase the length of the Magnolia Anchorage from 2.1 miles to 
2.2 miles (33 CFR 110.195(a)(7)).
    3. Increase the lengh of the Davant Anchorage from 1.1 miles to 1.4 
miles (33 CFR 110.195(a)(9)).
    4. Decrease the width of the Wills Point Anchorage from 600 feet to 
500 feet (33 CFR 110.195(a)(11)).
    5. Add a note to the text of the Cedar Grove Anchorage (33 CFR 
110.195(a)(12)).
    6. Increase the length of the Belle Chasse Anchorage from 2.1 miles 
to 2.15 miles, and decrease the width from 575 feet to 500 feet (33 CFR 
110.195(a)(13)).
    7. Add a Note to the text of the Lower 12 Mile Anchorage (33 CFR 
110.195(a)(14)).
    8. Increase the length of the Lower 9 Mile Anchorage from 2.3 miles 
to 2.4 miles (33 CFR 110.195(a)(15)).
    9. Increase the length of the Point Michel Anchorage from 1.4 miles 
to 2.2 miles (33 CFR 110.195(a)(35)).
    10. Add a new anchorage, the Phoenix Anchorage, to include the 
area, 0.6 miles in length, along the left descending bank of the river 
extending from mile 57.82 to mile 58.42 Above Head of Passes. The width 
of the anchorage is 400 feet. The inner boundary of the anchorage is a 
line parallel to the nearest bank 400 feet from the water's edge into 
the river as measured from the LWRP. The outer boundary of the 
anchorage is a line parallel to the nearest bank 800 feet from the 
water's edge into the river as measured from the LWRP.

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, and 
we discuss First Amendment rights of protestors.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the 
costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits. This NPRM has not been designated a ``significant 
regulatory action,'' under Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, the NPRM 
has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
    This proposed regulatory action is based on minimal impact to 
routine navigation. The proposed anchorage areas would not restrict 
traffic as they are located well outside the established navigation 
channel. Vessels would still be able to maneuver in, around and through 
the anchorages.

B. 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.

[[Page 48356]]

    While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the 
anchorage grounds may be small entities, for the reasons stated in 
section IV.A above, this proposed rule would not have a significant 
economic impact on any vessel owner or operator.
    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.
    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. If the rule would affect 
your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you 
have questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, 
please call or email the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT section. The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small 
entities that question or complain about this proposed rule or any 
policy or action of the Coast Guard.

C. Collection of Information

    This proposed rule would not call for a new collection of 
information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-
3520).

D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Governments

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132 
(Federalism), if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on 
the relationship between the National Government and the States, or on 
the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels 
of government. We have analyzed this proposed rule under that Order and 
have determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism 
principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 
13132.
    Also, this proposed rule does not have tribal implications under 
Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments) because it would 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. If 
you believe this proposed rule has implications for federalism or 
Indian tribes, please call or email the person listed in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in 
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for 
inflation) or more in any one year. Though this proposed rule would not 
result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule 
elsewhere in this preamble.

F. 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. 4321-4370f), and have made 
a preliminary determination 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 involves the 
establishment of one new anchorage grounds and the modification of nine 
existing anchorage grounds along the LMR. Normally such actions are 
categorically excluded from further review under paragraph L of 
Appendix A, Table 1 of DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Rev. 1. A 
preliminary 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 proposed rule.

G. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. 
Protesters are asked to call or email the person listed in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so 
that your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or 
security of people, places, or vessels.

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.
    We encourage you to submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking 
Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. If your material cannot be 
submitted using https://www.regulations.gov, call or email the person 
in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document for 
alternate instructions.
    We accept anonymous comments. Comments we post to https://www.regulations.gov will include any personal information you have 
provided. For more about privacy and submissions in response to this 
document, see DHS's eRulemaking System of Records notice (85 FR 14226, 
March 11, 2020).
    Documents mentioned in this NPRM as being available in the docket, 
and public comments, will be in our online docket at https://www.regulations.gov and can be viewed by following that website's 
instructions. We review all comments received, but we will only post 
comments that address the topic of the proposed rule. We may choose not 
to post off-topic, inappropriate, or duplicate comments that we 
receive. If you go to the online docket and sign up for email alerts, 
you will be notified when comments are posted or a final rule is 
published.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 110

    Anchorage grounds.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard is 
proposing to amend 33 CFR part 110 as follows:

PART 110--ANCHORAGE GROUNDS

0
1. The authority citation for part 110 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C 2071, 46 U.S.C. 70006, 70034; 33 CFR 1.05-1; 
Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

0
2. Amend Sec.  110.195 by revising paragraphs (a)(4), (7), (9), (11) 
through (15), and 35, and adding paragraph (a)(37) to read as follows:

Sec.  110.195  Mississippi River below Baton Rouge, LA, including South 
and Southwest Passes.

    (a) * * *
    (4) Boothville Anchorage. An area, 6.45 miles in length, along the 
right descending bank of the river extending from mile 12.05 to mile 
18.5 Above Head of Passes. The width of the

[[Page 48357]]

anchorage is 750 feet. The inner boundary of the anchorage is a line 
parallel to the nearest bank 250 feet from the water's edge into the 
river as measured from the LWRP. The outer boundary of the anchorage is 
a line parallel to the nearest bank 1,000 feet from the water's edge 
into the river as measured from the LWRP.
* * * * *
    (7) Magnolia Anchorage. An area, 2.2 miles in length, along the 
right descending bank of the river extending from mile 45.4 to mile 
47.6 Above Head of Passes. The width of the anchorage is 700 feet. The 
inner boundary of the anchorage is a line parallel to the nearest bank 
400 feet from the water's edge into the river as measured from the 
LWRP. The outer boundary of the anchorage is a line parallel to the 
nearest bank 1,100 feet from the water's edge into the river as 
measured from the LWRP.
* * * * *
    (9) Davant Anchorage. An area, 1.4 miles in length, along the left 
descending bank of the river extending from mile 52.5 to mile 53.9 
Above Head of Passes. The width of the anchorage is 800 feet.
* * * * *
    (11) Wills Point Anchorage. An area, 1.1 miles in length, along the 
left descending bank of the river extending from mile 66.5 to mile 67.6 
Above Head of Passes. The width of the anchorage is 500 feet. The inner 
boundary of the anchorage is a line parallel to the nearest bank 200 
feet from the water's edge into the river as measured from the LWRP. 
The outer boundary of the anchorage is a line parallel to the nearest 
bank 700 feet from the water's edge into the river as measured from the 
LWRP.
    (12) Cedar Grove Anchorage. An area, 1.34 miles in length, along 
the right descending bank of the river extending from mile 69.56 to 
mile 70.9 Above Head of Passes. The width of the anchorage is 500 feet. 
The inner boundary of the anchorage is a line parallel to the nearest 
bank 200 feet from the water's edge into the river as measured from the 
LWRP. The outer boundary of the anchorage is a line parallel to the 
nearest bank 700 feet from the water's edge into the river as measured 
from the LWRP.

    Note 1 to paragraph (a)(12):  Jesuit Bend Revetment extends/runs 
adjacent to the lower portion of this anchorage. Mariners are urged 
to use caution in this anchorage.

    (13) Belle Chasse Anchorage. An area, 2.15 miles in length, along 
the right descending bank of the river extending from mile 73.05 to 
mile 75.2 Above Head of Passes. The width of the anchorage is 500 feet. 
The inner boundary of the anchorage is a line parallel to the nearest 
bank 375 feet from the water's edge into the river as measured from the 
LWRP. The outer boundary of the anchorage is a line parallel to the 
nearest bank 875 feet from the water's edge into the river as measured 
from the LWRP.
    (14) Lower 12 Mile Point Anchorage. An area, 2.2 miles in length, 
along the right descending bank of the river extending from mile 78.6 
to mile 80.8 Above Head of Passes. The width of the anchorage is 500 
feet. The inner boundary of the anchorage is a line parallel to the 
nearest bank 300 feet from the water's edge into the river as measured 
from the LWRP. The outer boundary of the anchorage is a line parallel 
to the nearest bank 800 feet from the water's edge into the river as 
measured from the LWRP.

    Note 1 to paragraph (a)(14):  English Turn Revetment extends/
runs adjacent to the lower portion of this anchorage. Mariners are 
urged to use caution in this anchorage.

    (15) Lower 9 Mile Anchorage. An area, 2.4 miles in length, along 
the right descending bank of the river extending from mile 82.6 to mile 
85.0 Above Head of Passes. The width of the anchorage is 500 feet. The 
inner boundary of the anchorage is a line parallel to the nearest bank 
300 feet from the water's edge into the river as measured from the 
LWRP. The outer boundary of the anchorage is a line parallel to the 
nearest bank 800 feet from the water's edge into the river as measured 
from the LWRP.
* * * * *
    (35) Point Michel Anchorage. An area, 2.2 miles in length, along 
the right descending bank of the river extending from mile 40.0 to mile 
42.2 Above Head of Passes. The width of the anchorage is 500 feet. The 
inner boundary of the anchorage is a line parallel to the nearest bank 
325 feet from the water's edge into the river as measured from the 
LWRP. The outer boundary of the anchorage is a line parallel to the 
nearest bank 825 feet from the water's edge into the river as measured 
from the LWRP.
* * * * *
    (37) Phoenix Anchorage. An area, 0.6 miles in length, along the 
left descending bank of the river extending from mile 57.82 to mile 
58.42 Above Head of Passes. The width of the anchorage is 400 feet. The 
inner boundary of the anchorage is a line parallel to the nearest bank 
400 feet from the water's edge into the river as measured from the 
LWRP. The outer boundary of the anchorage is a line parallel to the 
nearest bank 800 feet from the water's edge into the river as measured 
from the LWRP.
* * * * *

    Dated: August 19, 2021.
Richard V. Timme,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Coast Guard District Eight.
[FR Doc. 2021-18467 Filed 8-27-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P