[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 67 (Thursday, April 8, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17101-17102]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-8473]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[CGD09-99-002]
RIN-2115-AE47
Drawbridge Operation Regulations; Duluth Ship Canal (Duluth-
Superior Harbor)
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations with request for
comments.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard has authorized a temporary deviation from the
current operating regulations that govern the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge
over the Duluth Ship Canal. The temporary deviation is for the purpose
of evaluating a proposed revised schedule for the bridge during the
peak recreational vessel traffic season. The test schedule will be in
effect from June 1, 1999, through August 31, 1999.
DATES: This deviation is effective from 6 a.m. on June 3, 1999, until
10 p.m. on August 31, 1999. Comments must be received by September 30,
1999.
ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed or delivered to: Commander (obr),
Ninth Coast Guard District, 1240 East Ninth Street, Room 2019,
Cleveland, OH 44199-2060 between 6:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except federal holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Scot M. Striffler, Project
Manager, at (216) 902-6084.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Coast Guard received a request from the
City of Duluth to reduce the number of bridge openings for recreational
vessel traffic at the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge during the peak boating
season. This action was requested to relieve vehicular traffic
congestion in the vicinity of the bridge and reduce wear and tear on
the operating machinery. The Coast Guard arranged a meeting on
September 30, 1998, with City officials, marina owners/operators,
commercial marine interests, and the Coast Guard Captain of the Port to
discuss operating schedule options. A schedule was devised and approved
by the participants, and the Coast Guard determined that a 90-day test
period would be appropriate to decide if a revised schedule would
accomplish the previously stated objectives, while still providing for
the reasonable needs of navigation.
The Coast Guard encourages interested persons to submit comments
[[Page 17102]]
either for or against the schedule. Persons submitting comments should
include their name, address, identify this document (CGD09-99-002), the
specific section of this temporary schedule, and the reason(s) for each
comment. The Coast Guard requests that all comments and attachments be
submitted in an 8\1/2\'' x 11'' unbound format suitable for copying and
electronic filing. Comments should be sent to Commander (obr), Ninth
Coast Guard District, 1240 East Ninth Street, Room 2019, Cleveland,
Ohio, 44199-2060. Comments received by the Coast Guard will be used in
determining whether a full rulemaking process should be opened for a
permanent change. Comments should be received at the address above by
September 30, 1999.
The test schedule will not affect any government or commercial
vessels transiting the bridge. Also, the bridge will open for all
vessels during periods of severe weather and for vessels in distress.
From June 3 through August 31, 1999, between the hours of 6 a.m.
and 10 p.m., Monday through Sunday, the bridge will open for
recreational vessels only from 3 minutes before to 3 minutes after the
hour and half-hour. The bridge shall open on signal for public and/or
commercial vessels during all other times.
Dated: March 18, 1999.
J.F. McGowan,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 99-8473 Filed 4-7-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-M
