James Sharrow

The Duluth Seaway Port Authority objects to the inclusion of those commercial vessels that support the commercial cargo business of our busy harbor under the proposed bridge hours regulation. This would basically include all vessels other than tour or excursion vessels and charter fishing vessels. Tug boats, vessel supply boats, support/repair launches, etc. are examples of vessels that should be excluded. We also support the exclusion of research and survey vessels. Bridge operators often allowed such vessels to transit the canal on demand during the trial period but these vessels should be specifically excluded from any permanent regulation. we recommend that the permitted bridge hours be limited to hours of the day and portions of the year when there is a measurable benefit to traffic flow based on the experience gained during the trial period in 2010.