[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] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 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
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