WASHINGTON – This year’s funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security includes a provision requiring the Coast Guard to provide enhanced public notice beyond just marine band radio when preparing for live fire weapons training on the Great Lakes.  Congressman Dave Obey (D-WI) and Congressman Bart Stupak (D-MI) announced the passage of the provision, saying it would help to keep the public safe.

“Great Lakes mariners deserve to know, before they set out, if the Coast Guard is going to be conducting training exercises that could affect their plans,” said Obey.  “No matter how the Coast Guard finally decides to handle its training areas, this provision will ensure that boaters get fair warning of areas to avoid.”

“Northern Michigan fishermen and boaters do not always view marine band radio as their primary source of nautical information.  Many recreational fishermen do not have the radios so it is imperative that the Coast Guard provide as much notice as possible,” noted Stupak.  “This legislation will ensure that, at minimum, the Coast Guard employs other methods of communication to put out the word that they will be conducting a live fire exercise.”

Citing concerns that the “Coast Guard’s recent proposal to establish live-fire zones on the Great Lakes was not well-coordinated with the public,” the final, conference report for the Homeland Security appropriations measure specifically “directs the Coast Guard to notify the public beyond just using marine band radio.”  The legislation was signed into law by the President on October 4th. 

The Ninth Coast Guard District, which includes the Great Lakes, is proposing the establishment of 34 zones throughout the Great Lakes that will periodically be used for live gunfire training exercises.  The safety zones are expected to occupy a total area of 2.5% of the surface area of the Great Lakes or 2,376 square miles. 

Obey serves as the top Democrat on the U.S. House Appropriations Committee.  Stupak, whose district includes more shoreline than any other Congressional district with the exception of Alaska, has been calling for greater oversight and public input into the Coast Guard’s live fire proposal. 

Public meetings for the Coast Guard to gather input will be held throughout the Great Lakes Basin in coming weeks.  The Coast Guard has scheduled public meetings for: October 16th in Duluth, MN; October 18th in Grand Haven, MI; October 19th in Port Huron/Marysville, MI; October 23rd in Cleveland, OH; October 30th in Rochester, New York; November 1st in the Milwaukee-Chicago region; and November 3rd in Charlevoix, MI.

The Coast Guard has also extended its public comment period into early November, allowing citizens that are unable to attend the meetings to file comments.   Public comments or concerns can be submitted through three different methods.   The public may enter their comments via the web at http://dms.dot.gov, via fax at (202)493-2251 or via mail at:

Docket Management Facility
U.S. Department of Transportation
Room PL-401
400 SW
Washington, DC
20590-0001

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