Washington Waves: Waterway News From D.C.
August 15, 2025
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is inviting the public to provide input into the development of its strategic plan for fiscal years 2026 to 2030. Comments, which must be received within 30 days of the posting of the notice on August 8, may be submitted electronically (the preferred method) via www.regulations.gov under Docket No. DOT-OST-2025-0963 or by email at dotstrategicplanning@dot.gov. Comments also may be mailed to U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Room PL-401,Washington, DC 20590-0001.
The Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993 requires that federal agencies update their strategic plan at the beginning of each new presidential term and solicit input from stakeholders. DOT’s current and previous strategic plans can be accessed at www.transportation.gov/dot-strategic-plan. For additional information, contact Juli Huynh at dotstrategicplanning@dot.gov.
Arctic Icebreaker
The Trump administration marked the commissioning of the first Arctic icebreaker in a quarter of a century.
“The commissioning of Storis marks a new beginning for the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Troy Edgar, who attended the commissioning in Juneau, Alaska. “President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill has recapitalized USCG with $25 billion—the largest single investment in USCG. The new investment will lead to a USCG that is better equipped to protect our national interests, support our maritime communities and stand alongside our allies.”
Icebreakers are vital for America’s presence in the Arctic, an area increasingly contested due to its growing potential for oil and gas exploration, critical minerals, trade route traffic, fishing and tourism, the Coast Guard has said.
Formerly the motor vessel Aiviq, the Storis was acquired in December 2024 and renamed after modifications to enhance its communication and defense capabilities, the Coast Guard stated, describing its commissioning as a crucial step in the administration’s mission to transform it into a more agile, capable fighting force.
FEMA Review Council
The Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council is scheduled to meet August 28 in Oklahoma City to receive updates from members. Open to members of the public virtually in listen-only mode, the meeting is set to begin at 11 a.m. EDT and conclude after 75 minutes. Registration is required and must be received via email by 5 p.m. EDT August 27 with Docket No. DHS-2025-0250 in the subject line and include the full legal name and email address of those registering. The email address is FEMAreviewcouncil@hq.dhs.gov. Members of the public who have registered will be provided the virtual link to the meeting, the agenda and draft report.
Comments from the public also may be submitted via that email address or via www.regulations.gov under the docket number or by mail at Patrick Powers, Designated Federal Officer, Federal Emergency Management Agency Review Council, Office of Partnership and Engagement, Mailstop 0385, Department of Homeland Security, 2707 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20032.
All submissions received must include the words ‘‘Department of Homeland Security’’ and “Docket No. DHS-2025-0250.”
For more information, visit the council’s website at https://www.dhs.gov/federal-emergency-management-agency-review-council or contact Patrick Powers at 202-891-2283 or FEMAreviewcouncil@hq.dhs.gov.
Ferry Funding
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced nearly $175 million in funding under the Federal Highway Administration’s Ferry Boat Program (FBP) to build and improve service in 38 states and territories.
“In places like Alaska, our maritime highways are critical arteries for commuters and regional supply chains,” Duffy said, singling out the state receiving $38.5 million, one of the largest amounts on the list. “From our skies to our roads, rail networks and waterways, America is building again thanks to President Trump.”
FBP said the funding will boost ferry service and provide more cost-effective travel options for communities that rely on ferries to get to work, promote tourism and enable commerce. The funding can be used to construct and operate ferry boats, ferry terminals and ferry maintenance facilities for ferry boats carrying cars and passengers and those carrying passengers only if service is on a public route on which it is not feasible to build a bridge or tunnel, the agency said.
CG Security Zone
The Coast Guard issued a final rule establishing a security zone in waters adjacent to the General Dynamics Electric Boat Corporation Quonset Point facility in Narragansett Bay, North Kingstown, R.I., to protect the facility, material and adjacent areas from sabotage or other subversive acts, accidents or incidents of a similar nature.
Effective September 8, the rule prohibits all persons and vessels from operating within the prescribed security zone without prior authorization by the captain of the port, Sector Southeastern New England or designated representative.
Documents can be viewed at www.regulations.gov under Docket No.USCG-2024-0994. For additional information, contact Marine Science Technician 2nd Class Nicholas Easley at 206-827-4160 or Nicholas.S.Easley@uscg.mil.
Corps Final Rule
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a final rule adjusting its civil monetary penalties (CMP) under the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1922 (RHA), the Clean Water Act (CWA) and the National Fishing Enhancement Act (NFEA) to account for inflation. The rule took effect August 8. For additional information, contact Joseph Wilson for the RHA portion at 202-761-7697 or joseph.r.wilson@usace.army.mil, or contact Matt Wilson for the CWA and NFEA portions at 202-761-5856 or Matthew.S.Wilson@usace.army.mil or access the Corps Regulatory Home Page at www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/.
