[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 10, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 11642-11643]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-6006]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-97-007]


Drawbridge Operating Regulation; Lake Pontchartrain, LA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice; withdrawal of proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is withdrawing a notice of proposed rulemaking 
to amend the regulation for the draws of the north bascule twin span 
highway bridges across Lake Pontchartrain, between Metairie, Jefferson 
Parish, Louisiana, and Mandeville, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. The 
proposed rule did not meet the reasonable needs of navigation. The 
Coast Guard is withdrawing the notice of proposed rulemaking and 
terminating this rulemaking.

DATES: This notice is effective March 10, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Unless otherwise indicated, documents referred to in this 
notice are available for inspection or copying at the office of the 
Eighth Coast Guard District, Bridge Administration Branch, Hale Boggs 
Federal Building, room 1313, 501 Magazine Street, New Orleans, 
Louisiana 70130-3396 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The telephone number is (504) 589-2965. 
Commander (ob) maintains the public docket for this rulemaking.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. David Frank, Bridge Administration Branch, Commander (ob), Eighth 
Coast Guard District, 501 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 
70130-3396, telephone number 504-589-2965.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Regulatory History

    On April 4, 1997, the Coast Guard published a notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register (62 FR 16122). The NPRM 
proposed to authorize the draws in the north bascule twin span highway 
bridges across Lake Pontchartrain, between Metairie, Jefferson Parish, 
Louisiana, and Mandeville, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana to remain 
closed to navigation from June 9, 1997, until October 10, 1997, except 
on alternating weekends. On alternating weekends during this period 
when work was not being conducted, the draws would open if 3 hours 
notice was given. This action was necessary to facilitate the cleaning 
and painting of the bascule structures.
    The Coast Guard received 3 letters in response to the NPRM 
objecting to the proposed rule. The objectors believed twelve day 
closures of the bridge would detrimentally effect business on the 
waterway. The applicant was given an opportunity to address the 
objections. During this time period, the applicant determined that he 
would be unable to accomplish the scope of working during the given 
time frame and decided to postpone the maintenance. The applicant has 
since consulted with the objectors and has adjusted his scope of work 
which will no longer require a temporary rule.
    The Coast Guard is, therefore, withdrawing the notice of proposed 
rulemaking and terminating further

[[Page 11643]]

rulemaking on the proposal (CGD08-97-007).

    Dated: February 18, 1998.
T.W. Josiah,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 98-6006 Filed 3-9-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M