The Oregon State Marine Board is soliciting written comments on proposed rules affecting boat operations on the Willamette River in downtown Portland. The proposed rules amend Oregon Administrative Rule 250-020-0280, Boat Operations in Multnomah County.
The proposed rules extend the slow-no wake zone currently in a portion of the Holgate Channel and creates pass-through zones north and south of Ross Island from May 1 through September 30. No person shall operate a motorboat pulling a water skier or towed device, and; no one would be allowed to operate a personal watercraft in continuous operation above 5 mph, except to transit directly through the zones.
Written comment will be accepted until October 4, 2020, at 11:55 pm. Comments must be received prior to the closure time/date to be considered. Comments can also be submitted by email to osmb.rulemaking@oregon.gov or by U.S. Mail to Jennifer Cooper, Administrative Rules Coordinator, Oregon State Marine Board, 435 Commercial Street NE, Salem, OR 97301.
Those wishing to provide oral testimony to the Marine Board may do so by calling (503)378-2617 and leaving a concise voice message not to exceed two minutes. Audio files of these messages will be provided to the Board Members for their review.
The Board will meet October 21, 2020, and may make a motion to adopt the rules or to pursue another direction.
To view the proposed rules, visit
https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/info/Pages/Rulemaking-and-Public-Notices.aspx.