96-32893. Request for Public Comment on the Causes of Diversion of Cargo From U.S. East Coast Ports

[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 250 (Friday, December 27, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 68329]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-32893]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Maritime Administration
[Docket No. M-O25]


Request for Public Comment on the Causes of Diversion of Cargo 
From U.S. East Coast Ports

Agency: Maritime Administration, United States Department of 
Transportation.

Action: Notification of public outreach meeting.

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Summary: On July 24, 1996, as part of a plan to help sustain long-term 
growth of the Port of New York/New Jersey, the Department of 
Transportation announced its intention to study the causes of cargo 
diversion from U.S. East Coast ports (i.e., the transhipment of U.S. 
waterborne imports and exports through nearby foreign ports) and to 
recommend any additional measures that are needed to enhance the 
international competitiveness of our East Coast ports. An announcement 
of the information collection phase of this study appeared as a notice 
in the Federal Register on November 12, 1996, with comments requested 
by December 27, 1996.
    Information was requested on the impact of the following domestic 
and foreign factors affecting the diversion of cargo from U.S. East 
Coast ports: shipper and carrier routing preferences; shifting 
international trade patterns; constraints on the U.S. transportation 
infrastructure; federal, state and local laws and regulations; port 
charges and other transportation-related fees; ``Global Alliances'' of 
ocean carriers and their impact on port calls and port rotations; 
landside and waterside interface problems and intermodal factors; 
aggressive port marketing initiatives; direct and indirect subsidies 
for port and intermodal infrastructure; and any other factors that 
impact on the flow of cargo through U.S. East Coast ports. Data on the 
volume, value and composition of diverted cargo, as well as any other 
information related to the subject, was also sought. The Department 
also solicited comments on measures that are needed to enhance the 
international competitiveness of our East Coast ports through the 21st 
Century.
    A public outreach meeting will be held in Washington, D.C. on 
Thursday, January 9, 1997, in Room 9230-34 of the Department of 
Transportation Nassif Building (400 7th Street, SW) from 10:00 AM until 
noon. Anyone wishing to address the meeting on the above topics or 
related matters should contact the Maritime Administration in advance, 
and provide four copies of their statements prior to the outreach 
meeting, if possible.
    Participants are urged to express their views on the relative 
significance of the various factors affecting cargo diversion. Specific 
examples of cargo diversion and submission of relevant data are 
encouraged, as well as any views on measures that the Department might 
undertake to improve the international competitiveness of U.S. East 
Coast ports.

For Further Information Contact: Bruce J. Carlton, Associate 
Administrator for Policy, International Trade and Marketing (202) 418-
8144.

    By Order of the Maritime Administrator.

    Dated: December 20, 1996.
Joel C. Richard,
Secretary, Maritime Administration.
[FR Doc. 96-32893 Filed 12-26-96; 8:45 am]
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