96-26146. Regulated Navigation Area; Hillsborough Channel Cut D, Hillsborough Bay, FL

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 199 (Friday, October 11, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 53346]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-26146]



[[Page 53346]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
33 CFR Part 165

[CGD07-93-011]
RIN 2115-AE84


Regulated Navigation Area; Hillsborough Channel Cut D, 
Hillsborough Bay, FL

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Withdrawal of proposed rule; notice of termination.

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SUMMARY: This rulemaking project was initiated to protect vessels with 
drafts greater than 39 feet from safety hazards associated with 
shoaling on the outside quarters of Hillsborough Channel Cut D. It has 
been determined that very few vessels with the specified draft actually 
transit the affected Channel. When a vessel does transit the Channel, 
the preexisting safety precautions have been determined to be adequate 
for safe navigation. Therefore, this proposed rule is no longer 
necessary and the Coast Guard is withdrawing it and terminating further 
rulemaking under docket number CGD07-93-011.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
LT. James Raby, Chief, Port Management Department, Marine Safety Office 
Tampa, 155 Columbia Dr., Tampa, FL 33606, Phone: [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The regulated navigation area for 
Hillsborough Channel Cut D was first published in the Federal Register 
on November 12, 1993 [58 FR 59974]. This proposed regulation was 
established to protect vessels with drafts greater than 39 feet from 
safety hazards associated with shoaling on the outside quarters of 
Hillsborough Channel Cut D. Under this proposed regulation, all vessels 
with drafts greater than 39 feet which transit the Channel would be 
limited to a one way traffic zone. Comments received from the port 
community disagreed with the proposed regulation based on the 
infrequency of use and the minimal amount of time that vessels with the 
specified draft transit the Channel. When vessels of the specified 
draft do transit the Channel, they are always in a docking mode with 
tugs alongside and proceeding to the dock at minimum safe speed. These 
safety precautions have been determined to be sufficient for safe 
navigation through Hillsborough Channel Cut D and have eliminated the 
need for this regulation. Therefore, this rulemaking is no longer 
necessary, and the Coast Guard is withdrawing it and terminating 
further rulemaking under docket number CGD07-93-011.

    Dated: September 9, 1996.
J.W. Lockwood,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 96-26146 Filed 10-10-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M