Public Comment Sought on Marine Bd. Slow-No Wake, Waterway Markers, April 3

The Oregon State Marine Board is accepting written public comment beginning April 1, through April 21, on proposed rulemaking for Slow-No Wake and Waterway Markers. Staff will host a public hearing on April 21, 2015, at 6:00 pm, at the Marine Board Office, 435 Commercial Street NE, in Salem. Following the close of the hearing, the Marine Board will convene a Board meeting to discuss the proposed rules. The Board may make a motion to adopt, amend, not adopt, or take some other action with regard to the proposed rules. The proposed rulemaking to OAR Chapter 250 will add a definition of “slow-no wake,” amend the basic rule to comply with the definition, and amend the local and special area rules to standardize the rule language and remove the reference to “maximum” and “5 mph” in relation to slow-no wake speed. The proposed rulemaking for waterway markers will describe the characteristics and standards for regulatory and informational markers (buoys and signs) used on the waters of this state that convey official messages to boat operators. Additionally, the rules will establish procedures for public bodies and individuals to apply for a permit to place approved waterway markers of their own (those markers not placed by the U.S. Coast Guard or the Oregon State Marine Board). These existing rules and definitions have been carefully considered and vetted by two external advisory committees and law enforcement marine patrol over the last two years. The public is encouraged to submit written comments on the proposed rule language. The comment period closes April 21, 2015 at the Close of Hearing. Written comments are submitted by email to osmb.rulemaking@state.or.us or by U.S. mail to: June LeTarte, Administrative Rules Coordinator, 435 Commercial Street NE, Suite 400, P.O. Box 14145, Salem, OR 97309-5056. Comments will not be accepted by telephone. To review the hearing notice and proposed rule language, visit http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/Pages/admin/OSMB_Rulemaking_Newpage.aspx.