[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 219 (Tuesday, November 12, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 58095]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-28921]


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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 open docket for public comment.

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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.
    Information is 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, are also being sought.
    The Department is also soliciting comments on measures that are 
needed to enhance the international competitiveness of our East Coast 
ports through the 21st Century.

DATES: Comments should be received by December 27,1996. Comments that 
are received after that date will be considered to the extent possible.

ADDRESSES: To facilitate review, four copies of comments should be sent 
to: Secretary, Maritime Administration, Room 7210 United States 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 
20590. Telefax number (202) 366-9206.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bruce J. Carlton, Associate 
Administrator for Policy, International Trade and Marketing, (202) 366-
5772.

    By Order of the Maritime Administrator.

    Dated: November 6, 1996.
Joel C. Richard,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 96-28921 Filed 11-9-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-81-P