[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 98 (Monday, May 20, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 25149]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-12645]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Parts 100, 110 and 117

[CGD 05-96-021]


Special Local Regulations for Marine Events; Norfolk Harborfest 
1996; Norfolk Harbor, Elizabeth River, Norfolk and Portsmouth, VA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of implementation.

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SUMMARY: This document implements 33 CFR 100.501 for Norfolk Harborfest 
1996, an annual event to be held in the Waterside area of the Elizabeth 
River between Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia. These special local 
regulations are needed to control vessel traffic within the immediate 
vicinity of Waterside due to the confined nature of the waterway and 
the expected vessel congestion during the event. The effect will be to 
restrict general navigation in the regulated area for the safety of 
participants and spectators.

EFFECTIVE DATES: The regulations in 33 CFR 100.501, 110.72aa and 
117.1007(b) are effective for the following periods: 11 a.m. to 11 
p.m., June 7, 1996; 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., June 8, 1996; and 9:30 a.m. 
to 7 p.m., June 9, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
LTJG R. Christensen, marine events coordinator, Commander, Coast Guard 
Group Hampton Roads, 4000 Coast Guard Blvd., Portsmouth, VA 23703-2199, 
(804) 483-8521.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion of Rule

    Norfolk Harborfest, Inc. will sponsor the Norfolk Harborfest 1996 
on June 7, 8, and 9, 1996, in the Waterside area of the Elizabeth 
River. The event will consist of aerobatic demonstrations, an air/sea 
rescue demonstration, fireworks, lighted boat parade, and numerous 
other water events, to include a parade of sailboats and several boat 
and raft races. 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 event. Under 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. The Coast Guard patrol 
commander will announce the specific periods during which the 
restrictions will be enforced.
    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: May 1, 1996.
W.J. Ecker,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 96-12645 Filed 5-17-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M