[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 239 (Tuesday, December 15, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 66238]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-29749]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2009-1029]


Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Grassy Sound Channel, Middle 
Township, NJ

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of temporary deviation from regulations.

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SUMMARY: The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District has issued a 
temporary deviation from the regulations governing the operation of the 
Grassy Sound Channel Bridge (County Route 619), mile 1.0, at Middle 
Township, NJ. The deviation restricts the operation of the draw span to 
facilitate the cleaning and painting of the structure.

DATES: This deviation is effective from 5 a.m. on April 1, 2010 until 5 
p.m. on May 15, 2010.

ADDRESSES: Documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in 
the docket are part of docket USCG-2009-1029 and are available online 
by going to http://www.regulations.gov, inserting USCG-2009-1029 in the 
``Keyword'' box and then clicking ``Search''. They are also available 
for inspection or copying at the Docket Management Facility (M-30), 
U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room 
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule, 
call or e-mail Terrance Knowles, Environmental Protection Specialist, 
Fifth Coast Guard District; telephone 757-398-6587, e-mail 
[email protected]. If you have questions on viewing the 
docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, 
telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Cape May County Bridge Commission, who 
owns and operates this bascule drawbridge, has requested a temporary 
deviation from the current operating regulations set out in 33 CFR 
117.721 to facilitate the cleaning and painting of the bridge 
structure.
    The Grassy Sound Channel Bridge (CR-619), at mile 1.0, in Middle 
Township NJ has a vertical clearance in the closed position to vessels 
of 15 feet above mean high water (MHW).
    Under normal operating conditions, two hours advance notice is 
required to open the draw of the Grassy Sound Channel Bridge. Under 
this temporary deviation, the Grassy Sound Channel Bridge will be 
maintained in the closed-to-navigation position beginning at 5 a.m. on 
April 1, 2010 until and including 5 p.m. on May 15, 2010.
    The drawbridge will open in the event of an emergency. Vessels that 
can pass under the bridge without a bridge opening may do so at all 
times. Vessels with mast height greater than 15 feet have an alternate 
route by transiting approximately two miles away at the nearby County 
of Cape May Bridge across Great Channel between Stone Harbor and Nummy 
Island NJ.
    The Coast Guard will inform the users of the waterway through our 
Local and Broadcast Notices to Mariners of the closure periods for the 
bridge so that vessels can arrange their transits to minimize any 
impact caused by the temporary deviation.
    In accordance with 33 CFR 117.35(e), the drawbridge must return to 
its regular operating schedule immediately at the end of the designated 
time period. This deviation from the operating regulations is 
authorized under 33 CFR 117.35.

    Dated: December 1, 2009.
Waverly W. Gregory, Jr.,
Chief, Bridge Administration Branch, By Direction of the Commander, 
Fifth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. E9-29749 Filed 12-14-09; 8:45 am]
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