Rules and Regulations. Notice of temporary deviation; request for comments

Agency: Coast Guard, DHS
Action: Notice of temporary deviation; request for comments
Citation: FR Doc. 04-12407 · CGD01-04-047 · 33 CFR 117

Summary

The Commander, First Coast Guard District, has issued a temporary deviation from the drawbridge operation regulations governing the operation of the Long Beach Bridge, at mile 4.7, across Reynolds Channel New York. This temporary deviation will test a change to the drawbridge operation regulations to determine whether a permanent change is needed. Under this temporary deviation the Long Beach Bridge need not open for vessel traffic from 10 p.m. to midnight on July 3, 2004.

Dates

This temporary deviation is effective from July 3, 2004, through July 11, 2004. Comments must reach the Coast Guard on or before September 4, 2004.

Supplementary Information

Request for Comments We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments or related material. If you do so, please include your name and address, identify the docket number for this rulemaking (CGD01-04-047), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and give the reason for each comment. Please submit all comments and related material in an unbound format, no larger than 8 1/2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying. If you would like to know if they reached us, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. Comments must be received by September 4, 2004. Background and Purpose The Long Beach Bridge has a vertical clearance of 20 feet at mean high water and 24 feet at mean low water. The existing regulations are listed at 33 CFR 117.799(g). On April 27, 2004, the Town of Hempstead, Department of Public Works requested that the Long Beach Bridge opening schedule be temporarily changed to test an alternate operation schedule to allow the bridge to remain closed to facilitate vehicular traffic and public safety during the annual Salute to Veterans and Fireworks Display at Town Park on Lookout Point, New York. Under this temporary deviation the Long Beach Bridge need not open for vessel traffic from 10 p.m. to midnight on July 3, 2004, with an alternate weather date of July 11, 2004, should the public event be postponed due to inclement weather on July 3, 2004. This deviation from the operating regulations is authorized under 33 CFR 117.43, to test an alternate operating schedule. Dated: May 21, 2004. John L. Grenier, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Acting Commander, First Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 04-12407 Filed 6-1-04; 8:45 am]