Coast Guard Implements Urgent Safety Zone for Allegheny River Powerboat Regatta in Creighton, PA
On June 6 and 7, 2026, the U.S. Coast Guard will enforce a temporary special local regulation on the Allegheny River near Creighton, Pennsylvania, to ensure public safety during a scheduled powerboat regatta. This action, initiated by the Captain of the Port Pittsburgh, designates a one-mile stretch of the river, specifically between mile markers 20.5 and 21.5, as a regulated area where unauthorized vessels and individuals are prohibited.
Immediate Action for Public Safety
The necessity for this special local regulation (SLR) arose from an imminent need to protect both participants and non-participants from potential hazards associated with high-speed powerboat races. The Coast Guard received notification of the event on May 8, 2026, leaving limited time to implement the necessary safety measures before the regatta commences on June 6. Due to this tight timeline, the Coast Guard invoked provisions within the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B) and 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3), to issue this rule as a temporary final rule without prior notice and public comment, and to make it effective immediately upon publication. The agency determined that awaiting public comments would be impracticable and contrary to the public interest, given the immediate safety concerns posed by uncontrolled vessel traffic during a high-speed event.
Scope of the Regulation
The temporary SLR will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both June 6 and June 7, 2026. Within the specified regulated area on the Allegheny River, all navigable waters are subject to the restrictions. Only vessels and persons officially registered as participants in the powerboat regatta, or those specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Pittsburgh or their designated representative, may enter or remain in the area. A designated representative includes a Coast Guard Patrol Commander, coxswain, petty officer, or other officer operating a Coast Guard vessel, as well as Federal, State, and local officers assisting in enforcement. Unauthorized individuals seeking permission to enter the regulated zone must contact the Captain of the Port via VHF-FM channel 16 or by telephone at 412-670-4288.
Authority and Enforcement
The Captain of the Port Pittsburgh is issuing this SLR under the authority granted by 46 U.S.C. 70041, which empowers the Coast Guard to establish safety zones and special local regulations on navigable waters of the United States. This authority is crucial for managing waterways during events that introduce unique safety risks, such as high-speed vessel activities. The regulation ensures that all those within the regulated area must comply with lawful orders or directions from the Captain of the Port or their designated representatives.
Broader Regulatory Context
In developing this temporary rule, the Coast Guard conducted various regulatory analyses, as required by law. These analyses determined that the rule would not significantly impact small entities, nor would it impose new information collection burdens under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Furthermore, the action was found to be consistent with federalism principles and to have no tribal implications. It also avoids creating unfunded mandates for state, local, or tribal governments. From an environmental perspective, the rule is categorically excluded from further review under the National Environmental Policy Act, as it is a special local regulation that does not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment.
This specific regulatory action highlights the Coast Guard's proactive role in maintaining safety on the nation's waterways, particularly when planned events introduce new risks. The agency's ability to act swiftly, even through temporary final rules, underscores the priority placed on preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of the boating public.
