[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 2 (Tuesday, January 5, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 406]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-55]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-98-064]
RIN 2115-AE47


Drawbridge Operating Regulation; Lafourche Bayou, LA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is finalizing the interim regulations 
regarding the modifications to the operating regulations for the SR1 
vertical lift bridge (Galliano-Tarpon bridge), mile 30.6, and the SR1 
pontoon bridge (Cote Blanche bridge), mile 33.9, near Cutoff, Lafourche 
Parish, Louisiana.

DATES: This final rule becomes effective on January 5, 1999.

ADDRESSES: 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, telephone number 504-589-2965.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 14, 1998, the Coast Guard 
published interim regulations (63 FR 55030) to modify the drawbridge 
operation regulations for the SR1 vertical lift bridge (Galliano-Tarpon 
bridge), mile 30.6, and the SR1 pontoon bridge (Cote Blanche bridge), 
mile 33.9, near Cutoff, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana.
    The modification to the regulation facilitates the movement of the 
school bus traffic while still providing for the reasonable needs of 
navigation. The interim rule requires the draws of the SR1 bridge, mile 
30.6, and the SR1 bridge, mile 33.9, both near Cutoff, shall open on 
signal except that, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and from 4:30 p.m. to 
5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except Federal holidays, the draws need 
not open for the passage of vessels.
    The 60-day comment period expired on December 14, 1998. The Coast 
Guard did not receive any comments during the comment period. 
Therefore, the interim rule is being adopted as a final rule.

Regulatory Evaluation

    This final rule is not a significant regulatory action under 
section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and does not require an 
assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of 
that Order. It has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and 
Budget under that Order. It is not significant under the regulatory 
policies and procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 
FR 11040; February 26, 1979). The Coast Guard expects the economic 
impact of this final rule to be so minimal that a full Regulatory 
Evaluation under paragraph 10e of the regulatory policies and 
procedures of DOT is unnecessary.

Small Entities

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601  et seq.), the 
Coast Guard considers whether this final rule will have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. ``Small 
entities'' include (1) small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and (2) governmental jurisdictions with populations of less 
than 50,000.
    The amended regulation adjusts the hours that the bridges need not 
open for the passage of vessels by 30 minutes. Any impact the 
adjustment may have on small entities is not substantial. Therefore, 
the Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this final rule 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.

Collection of Information

    This final rule does not provide for a collection of information 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

Federalism

    The Coast Guard has analyzed this final rule under the principles 
and criteria contained in Executive Order 12612 and has determined that 
this rulemaking does not have sufficient federalism implications to 
warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

Environment

    The Coast Guard considered the environmental impact of this final 
rule and concluded that under Figure 2-1, CE # 32(e) of the NEPA 
Implementing Procedures, COMDINST M16475.IC, this final rule is 
categorically excluded from further environmental documentation. A 
``Categorical Exclusion Determination'' is available in the docket for 
inspection or copying where indicated under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 117

    Bridges.

Regulations

    Accordingly, the interim rule amending 33 CFR part 117 which was 
published at 63 FR 55030 on October 14, 1998, is adopted as a final 
rule without change.

    Dated: December 22, 1998.
Paul J. Pluta,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 99-55 Filed 1-4-99; 8:45 am]
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