81 FR 65545 - Drawbridge Operation Regulation; New River, Fort Lauderdale, FL

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 185 (September 23, 2016)

The Coast Guard is changing the operating schedule that governs the Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) Railroad Bridge across the New River, mile 2.5, at Fort Lauderdale, FL. This rule implements requirements for the operator to ensure that adequate notice of bridge closure times are available to the waterway traffic. It also changes the schedule from requiring openings ``on demand'' to an operating regulation requiring the bridge to be open no fewer than 60 minutes in every 2 hour period. Changing the bridge operating schedule will allow the bridge owner to operate the Bridge remotely with assistance from the onsite bridge tender.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 185 (Friday, September 23, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65545-65548]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-22915]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2015-0271]
RIN 1625-AA09


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; New River, Fort Lauderdale, FL

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is changing the operating schedule that 
governs the Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) Railroad Bridge across the 
New River, mile 2.5, at Fort Lauderdale, FL. This rule implements 
requirements for the operator to ensure that adequate notice of bridge 
closure times are available to the waterway traffic. It also changes 
the schedule from requiring openings ``on demand'' to an operating 
regulation requiring the bridge to be open no fewer than 60 minutes in 
every 2 hour period. Changing the bridge operating schedule will allow 
the bridge owner to operate the Bridge remotely with assistance from 
the onsite bridge tender.

DATES: This rule is effective October 24, 2016.

ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being 
available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2015-0271 in the ``SEARCH'' box and click ``SEARCH.'' Click on Open 
Docket Folder on the line associated with this rulemaking.

[[Page 65546]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or email Mr. Rod Elkins with the Coast Guard; telephone 305-415-
6989, email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Table of Abbreviations

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Pub. L. Public Law
Sec.  Section
U.S.C. United States Code

II. Background Information and Regulatory History

    From May 18 through October 16, 2015, a test deviation assessing 
the viability of the schedule implemented in this rule was in effect 
for the New River Bridge (80 FR 28184). The comment period ended on 
August 17, 2015. There were eight comments received in response to the 
test deviation. The comments from the test deviation were addressed in 
the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
    On November 3, 2015, we published a NPRM entitled Drawbridge 
Operation Regulation; New River, Fort Lauderdale, FL in the Federal 
Register (80 FR 67677). We received 234 submissions on the proposed 
rule.

III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule

    The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under the authority of 33 
U.S.C. 499.
    The FEC Railroad Bridge across the New River, mile 2.5, at Fort 
Lauderdale, FL is a single leaf bascule bridge. It has a vertical 
clearance of 4 feet at mean high water in the closed position. 
Presently, in accordance with 33 CFR 117.5, the FEC Railroad Bridge is 
required to open on signal for the passage of vessels. Traffic on the 
waterway includes both commercial and recreational vessels.
    Prior to implementing a test deviation on May 18, 2015, the Bridge 
operated without a tender or monitor. An automated system closed the 
Bridge when a train approached and reopened the Bridge when a train 
cleared. The Coast Guard received multiple complaints from mariners 
because there was no means of obtaining notice of bridge closure times 
or potential closure duration. The new regulation balances the 
reasonable needs of waterway traffic on the New River with train 
traffic moving through condensed population areas in Ft. Lauderdale.
    This regulation was developed to accommodate the unique needs of 
rail transportation in South Florida while balancing the reasonable 
needs of maritime transportation on the New River. Train schedules at 
the crossings cannot be precisely scheduled due to unpredictable delays 
caused by train car loading and vehicular traffic crossing the track. 
Also, train bridges must be in the down position well in advance of the 
train's arrival to ensure that it can safely cross the bridge or stop 
if there are problems with the Bridge.

IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes and the Final Rule

    Two hundred thirty-four submissions were received resulting in a 
total of 319 comments concerning the proposed rule. The total number of 
comments exceeds the number of submissions because some submissions 
expressed more than one point in their comment. Of these comments, 39 
were in favor of the proposed rule. Forty-nine of the comments 
expressed opposition to a future rail project, which is not the focus 
of this regulation, and were not relevant.
    Sixty-six comments expressed opposition to the regulation of 
Bridges other than the Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) Railroad 
Bridge. This regulation only pertains to the FEC Railroad Bridge over 
the New River in Fort Lauderdale.
    Eleven comments opposed the proposed modification and recommended 
the Bridge owner provide a train schedule with specified opening times. 
In respect to a schedule the on-site bridge tender will provide a 12-
hour forecast schedule to waterway users upon request. However, 
scheduling bridge openings is not viable because trains typically 
experience loading and traffic delays that interfere with the 
operator's ability to precisely identify an exact time when the train 
will cross the waterway.
    Eighteen comments stated the modification would create unsafe 
vessel congestion near the Bridge. This regulation allows mariners to 
communicate with a bridge tender and receive updates on the Bridge's 
status; thereby relieving congestion that exists with the current 
schedule.
    Sixty-four comments opposed the Bridge being closed 50 percent of 
the time or 60 minutes at a time. These comments also recommended 
various minimum time limits for bridge openings. This regulation does 
not require closing the Bridge 50 percent of the time or for 60 minutes 
at one time. It sets a maximum time for the Bridge's closure within a 
two hour period. This regulation authorizes a total combined closure 
time for any given 120 minute period that will not exceed 60 minutes. 
Moreover, if a train is not crossing or approaching, the Bridge will 
remain open. Based on input from the bridge owner and input gathered at 
Coast Guard public meetings, the Coast Guard determined that it is not 
a viable option to require minimum time limits for the bridge to be 
open at one time because trains would have considerable difficulty 
coordinating passage across the bridge with this schedule. Therefore, 
this regulation does not adopt alternatives to set minimum time limits 
for Bridge openings. Vessels can transit at all times that trains are 
not crossing.
    Thirteen comments expressed concern that the modification would 
hinder emergency vessels from responding. This regulation requires the 
Bridge to open immediately for emergency vessels to pass.
    Twenty-six comments expressed safety concerns for vehicle traffic 
in the area and emergency vehicle response times being delayed. This 
regulation seeks to balance the needs of rail and maritime navigation 
by allowing the Bridge to close for the passage of trains. By doing so, 
it seeks to ensure passing trains are not delayed by the Bridge 
schedule, therefore, it should alleviate surrounding vehicular traffic.
    There were 26 comments that addressed concern that the modification 
would decrease property values and hurt business in the area. The Coast 
Guard does not have evidence that this regulation will result in a 
decrease in property values or that it will adversely affect businesses 
in the area.
    Five commenters requested bridge modifications that would replace 
and raise the vertical height of the bridge, and to require mooring 
stations for waiting vessels, which is outside of the scope of this 
rule because this rule only amends the opening schedule for the Bridge 
by creating protocols that will make it easier for vessel traffic to 
schedule transits during times the Bridge is open.
    Two of the 234 commenters requested a public meeting. A public 
meeting was held on 12 November 2014 (USCG-2014-0937), and the proposed 
schedule modification was developed from the input received from the 
public meeting.
    The Coast Guard also received complaints about the high noise 
levels of the horn blast prior to a bridge closure. The prescribed 
sound signal has typically been required on all unmanned automated rail 
road bridges. We are removing the requirement for the horn blast from 
the regulation since the bridge is no longer unmanned. Other than the 
removal of horn blasts, 33 CFR 117.313 is modified as was proposed in 
the NPRM.

[[Page 65547]]

V. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and 
executive orders (E.O.s) related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our 
analyses based on a number of these statutes and E.O.s, and we discuss 
First Amendment rights of protesters.

A. Regulatory Planning and Review

    E.O.s 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the costs and 
benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is 
necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits. 
E.O. 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and 
benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting 
flexibility. This rule has not been designated a ``significant 
regulatory action,'' under E.O. 12866. Accordingly, it has not been 
reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.
    This regulatory action determination is made because vessels can 
still transit the waterway at times identified by the tender 12 hours 
in advance of the scheduled transit. Also, vessels can transit at all 
times that trains are not crossing or if they do not require a bridge 
opening to transit.

B. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as 
amended, requires Federal agencies to consider the potential impact of 
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 
50,000. The Coast Guard received zero comments from the Small Business 
Administration on this rule. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 
605(b) that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.
    This rule may affect the following entities, some of which might be 
small entities: The owners or operators of vessels needing to transit 
the bridge when the Bridge is closed for train crossings. This change 
in operating schedule will still meet the reasonable needs of 
navigation while taking into account other modes of transportation. 
Vessels transiting the New River at mile 2.5 may do so at times 
scheduled up to 12 hours prior to transit. Also, vessels can transit at 
all times that trains are not crossing.
    While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the 
bridge may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section V.A 
above, this rule will not have a significant economic impact on any 
vessel owner or operator.
    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this rule. If the rule would affect your 
small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have 
questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please 
contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, 
above.
    Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal 
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal 
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory 
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory 
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and 
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to 
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR 
(1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small 
entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or 
action of the Coast Guard.

C. Collection of Information

    This rule calls for no new collection of information under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).

D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Government

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government. We have analyzed this rule under that Order and have 
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism 
principles and preemption requirements described in E.O. 13132.
    Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive 
Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments, because it does not have a substantial direct effect on 
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.

E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in 
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for 
inflation) or more in any one year. Though this rule will not result in 
such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere 
in this preamble.

F. Environment

    We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security 
Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction M16475.lD, which 
guides the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental 
Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA)(42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have made a 
determination that this action is one of a category of actions which do 
not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human 
environment. This rule simply promulgates the operating regulations or 
procedures for drawbridges. This action is categorically excluded from 
further review, under figure 2-1, paragraph (32)(e), of the 
Instruction.
    Under figure 2-1, paragraph (32)(e), of the Instruction, an 
environmental analysis checklist and a categorical exclusion 
determination are not required for this rule.

G. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. 
Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section to coordinate protest activities so that 
your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or 
security of people, places or vessels.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 117

    Bridges.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends 
33 CFR part 117 as follows:

PART 117--DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS

0
1. The authority citation for part 117 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  33 U.S.C. 499; 33 CFR 1.05-1; Department of Homeland 
Security Delegation No. 0170.1.


0
2. In Sec.  117.313, revise paragraph (c), add reserved paragraph (d), 
and add paragraph (e) to read as follows:

[[Page 65548]]

Sec.  117.313   New River.

* * * * *
    (c) The following requirements apply to the Florida East Coast 
Railway Railroad Bridge across the New River, mile 2.5, at Fort 
Lauderdale, FL:
    (1) The bridge shall be constantly tended.
    (2) The bridge tender will utilize a VHF-FM radio to communicate on 
channels 9 and 16 and may be contacted by telephone at 305-889-5572.
    (3) Signs will be posted displaying VHF radio contact information 
and telephone numbers for the bridge tender and dispatch. A countdown 
clock giving notice of time remaining before bridge closure shall 
remain at the bridge site and must be visible for maritime traffic.
    (4) A bridge log will be maintained including, at a minimum, bridge 
opening and closing times.
    (5) When the draw is in the fully open position, green lights will 
be displayed to indicate that vessels may pass.
    (6) When a train approaches, the lights go to flashing red then the 
draw lowers and locks.
    (7) After the train has cleared the bridge, the draw opens and the 
lights return to green.
    (8) The bridge shall not be closed more than 60 minutes combined 
for any 120 minute time period beginning at 12:01 a.m. each day.
    (9) The bridge shall remain open to maritime traffic when trains 
are not crossing.
    (d) [Reserved]
    (e) The draw of the Marshal (Seventh Avenue) bridge, mile 2.7 at 
Fort Lauderdale shall open on signal; except that, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 
a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays, the draw need not open. Public vessels of the United States, 
tugs with tows, and vessels in distress shall be passed at any time.

    Dated: August 22, 2016.
S.A. Buschman,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Seventh Coast Guard 
District.
[FR Doc. 2016-22915 Filed 9-22-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9110-04-P