Coast Guard Establishes River Security Zone for Pittsburgh NFL Draft

You might care about this because this document explains a temporary rule from the U.S. Coast Guard. This rule creates a security zone on parts of the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela Rivers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This restricted area is put in place during the National Football League Draft, which will happen from April 23 to April 25, 2026. The Coast Guard is taking this action to keep everyone safe from possible threats connected to the event. Without special permission from the Captain of the Port, no one can enter this zone by boat or as a person. The rule covers specific sections of these three rivers where they meet. The Coast Guard issued this rule as a temporary final rule, meaning they did not ask for public comments first. They said they did not have enough time to get comments and still protect people, boats, and the environment before the Draft started. This means the rule became active very quickly after it was published. What makes this rule particularly interesting is its direct link to a major public event like the National Football League Draft. It shows how federal agencies like the Coast Guard work to protect public safety during large gatherings, even when they are not strictly water related. The temporary nature of the rule is also noteworthy. It is only in effect for a very short period, just three days. Another interesting point is how quickly this rule was put into place. The Coast Guard made it a final rule without first asking for public feedback. They did this because they said there was not enough time to go through the usual process and still protect everyone before the Draft began. This shows a situation where immediate safety concerns can lead to faster government action. It highlights the Coast Guard's power to create temporary rules to address urgent security needs. People who would be most interested in this legal document include local residents in Pittsburgh, especially those who live near or use the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela Rivers. Boaters, kayakers, and anyone who uses these waterways for recreation or work would need to know about these temporary restrictions. Businesses that operate along the riverfront, such as tour boat operators, restaurants, or marinas, would also find this information relevant. Visitors planning to attend the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh should also be aware of these security measures, as they might affect access to certain areas. Legal professionals, especially those specializing in maritime law or regulatory compliance, might study this document. They could look at how the Coast Guard uses its authority to create temporary security zones for large-scale public events. Anyone concerned with public safety or how government agencies respond to security threats during big events would also find this document valuable.