Coast Guard Plans to Remove Navigational Buoys Along East Coast to Cut Costs

Coast Guard Plans to Remove Navigational Buoys Along East Coast to Cut Costs

By KONK Life Staff Writer

The U.S. Coast Guard has announced plans to remove hundreds of navigational buoys along the East Coast as part of a cost-saving initiative. The proposal targets buoys in areas with decreased maritime traffic or where maintenance has become challenging due to environmental factors. The Coast Guard cites aging infrastructure and escalating maintenance costs as primary reasons for the decision.

The Coast Guard has proposed removing all ten navigational buoys, raising concerns among local mariners about safety and navigational challenges.

The Coast Guard maintains over 45,000 aids to navigation (ATON) nationwide, including buoys, beacons, and lighthouses. A 2020 report by the Government Accountability Office highlighted that the condition of these aids has declined, while maintenance costs have risen from approximately $12 million in 2014 to about $20 million in 2018.

The Coast Guard is also exploring the replacement of traditional steel buoys with more cost-effective foam alternatives where feasible.

While the Coast Guard has proposed removing all ten navigational buoys, concerns among local mariners about safety and navigational challenges have been raised.

As the Coast Guard moves forward with its plans, stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the public comment process to ensure that navigational safety remains a top priority.

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