RULES AND REGULATIONS
Title 58—RECREATION
FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION
[ 58 PA. CODE CH. 111 ]
Boating; Special Regulations Counties
[51 Pa.B. 7708]
[Saturday, December 11, 2021]The Fish and Boat Commission (Commission) amends Chapter 111 (relating to special regulations counties). The Commission is publishing this final-form rulemaking under the authority of 30 Pa.C.S. (relating to Fish and Boat Code) (code). The amendment updates the Commission's regulations pertaining to Shenango River Lake, located in Mercer County.
A. Effective Date
This final-form rulemaking will go into effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
B. Contact Person
For further information on this final-form rulemaking, contact Wayne Melnick, Esq., P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000, (717) 705-7810. This final-form rulemaking is available on the Commission's web site at www.fishandboat.com.
C. Statutory Authority
The amendment to § 111.43 (relating to Mercer County) is published under the statutory authority of section 5124(a) of the code (relating to particular areas of water).
D. Purpose and Background
The specific purpose and background of the amendment is described in more detail under the summary of changes.
E. Summary of Changes
Shenango River Lake is a 3,560-acre flood control project managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Mercer County. This busy boating destination is regulated by § 111.43. Shenango River Lake has several specific regulations that deviate from the Statewide recreational boating regulations when boating on project waters. Specifically, subsection (a)(1) states that ''the use of motors in excess of 10 horsepower are prohibited in the area west of the Penn Central Railroad (Levittsburg) causeway to the Ohio line.''
Recently USACE leadership has changed their local policy/regulation adopting a 20 horsepower restriction west of the causeway. They have petitioned the Commission to make the same change to § 111.43 so Waterways Conservation Officers can continue to assist in enforcement. The proposed amendment was approved by the Boating Advisory Board at their June 23, 2020, meeting.
The Commission therefore amends § 111.43 to read as set forth in the proposed rulemaking published at 51 Pa.B. 6049 (September 18, 2021).
F. Paperwork
This final-form rulemaking will not increase paperwork and will not create new paperwork requirements.
G. Fiscal Impact
This final-form rulemaking will have no adverse fiscal impact on the Commonwealth or its political subdivisions.
H. Public Comments
A notice of proposed rulemaking was published at 51 Pa.B. 6049. The Commission did not receive any public comments regarding the proposal.
Findings
The Commission finds that:
(1) Public notice of intention to adopt the amendment adopted by this order has been given under sections 201 and 202 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L. 769, No. 240) (45 P.S. §§ 1201 and 1202), referred to as the Commonwealth Documents Law, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, 1 Pa. Code §§ 7.1 and 7.2 (relating to notice of proposed rulemaking required; and adoption of regulations).
(2) A public comment period was provided, and the Commission did not receive any public comments.
(3) The adoption of the amendment of the Commission in the manner provided in this order is necessary and appropriate for administration and enforcement of the authorizing statutes.
Order
The Commission, acting under the authorizing statutes, orders that:
(A) The regulations of the Commission, 58 Pa. Code Chapter 111, is amended by amending § 111.43 to read as set forth at 51 Pa.B. 6049.
(B) The Executive Director will submit this order and 51 Pa.B. 6049 to the Office of Attorney General for approval as to legality and form as required by law.
(C) The Executive Director shall certify this order and 51 Pa.B. 6049 and deposit them with the Legislative Reference Bureau as required by law.
(D) This order shall take effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
TIMOTHY D. SCHAEFFER,
Executive DirectorFiscal Note: Fiscal Note 48A-316 remains valid for the final adoption of the subject regulation.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 21-2066. Filed for public inspection December 10, 2021, 9:00 a.m.]
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