[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]


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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

[[Page 17102]]

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