Taxpayers cover Coast Guard private-party patrols!

Taxpayers cover Coast Guard private-party patrols
The Associated Press
By John Christoffersen
Published: September 9, 2014

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — At private parties on the waters of Long Island Sound, hosts setting off elaborate fireworks displays enjoy a little-known benefit. Security is provided, at no expense, by the U.S. Coast Guard.

For some regattas, yacht club parties and even weddings, the maritime agency assigns boats and crews to enforce "safety zones," just as it does for public fireworks displays such as the Macy's Fourth of July celebration in New York City.

Unlike police agencies that provide security support for private events on land, the Coast Guard does not seek reimbursement, leaving the bill to taxpayers, according to interviews and documents. The deployment of resources varies for each event, but in the case of a two-hour event for a July wedding on the sound, the Coast Guard sent two 25-foot boats that are worth $1,500 an hour — for a total of $6,000.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, said in response to the findings that he was asking the Coast Guard for details on the expenditures.
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