Document ID: USCG-2013-0562-0002
Agency: uscg
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: NPRM:  Drawbridge Operations: Inner Harbor Navigational Canal, New Orleans, LA (Federal Register Publication)
Posted Date: 2013-10-23T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 205 (Wednesday, October 23, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63136-63139]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-24319]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[Docket No. USCG-2013-0562]
RIN 1625-AA09

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Inner Harbor Navigational Canal, 
New Orleans, LA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to modify the operating schedules 
that govern the US 90 (Danzinger) Bridge across the Inner Harbor 
Navigational Canal (IHNC), mile 3.1 and the Senator Ted Hickey (Leon C. 
Simon Blvd./Seabrook) bridge across the IHNC, mile 4.6, both at New 
Orleans, LA. This proposed change would allow for the safe navigation 
of vessels while reflecting the low volume of vessel traffic through 
the bridges thereby increasing efficiency of operations. The proposed 
change would allow the bridges to operate in a manner that would align 
the two operating schedules so the bridge owner would be able to use 
the same bridge crew personnel to operate both bridges with little to 
no effect on navigation through the bridges.

DATES: Comments and related material must reach the Coast Guard on or 
before December 23, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2013-0562 using any one of the following methods:
    (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
    (2) Fax: 202-493-2251.
    (3) Mail or Delivery: Docket Management Facility (M-30), U.S. 
Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001. Deliveries 
accepted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
federal holidays. The telephone number is 202-366-9329.
    See the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion 
of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on 
submitting comments. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these 
four methods.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this proposed 
rule, call or email the Coast Guard; Mr. Jim Wetherington telephone 
504-671-2128, emails james.r.wetherington@uscg.mil. If you have 
questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Barbara 
Hairston, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Table of Acronyms

CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
GIWW Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
LDOTD Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Sec.  Section Symbol
U.S.C. United States Code

A. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    We encourage you to participate in this proposed rulemaking by 
submitting comments and related materials. All comments received will 
be posted, without change to http://www.regulations.gov and will 
include any personal information you have provided.

1. Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
proposed rulemaking (USCG-2013-0562), indicate the specific section of 
this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for 
each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and 
material online (http://www.regulations.gov), or by fax, mail or hand 
delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a 
comment online via http://

[[Page 63137]]

www.regulations.gov, it will be considered received by the Coast Guard 
when you successfully transmit the comment. If you fax, hand deliver, 
or mail your comment, it will be considered as having been received by 
the Coast Guard when it is received at the Docket Management Facility. 
We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an email 
address, or a phone number in the body of your document so that we can 
contact you if we have questions regarding your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to http://www.regulations.gov, 
type the docket number [USCG-2013-0562] in the ``SEARCH'' box and click 
``SEARCH.'' Click on ``Submit a Comment'' on the line associated with 
this rulemaking. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, 
submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, 
suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit them by mail 
and would like to know that they reached the Facility, please enclose a 
stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. We will consider all 
comments and material received during the comment period and may change 
the rule based on your comments.

2. Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble 
as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov, 
type the docket number (USCG-2013-0562) in the ``SEARCH'' box and click 
``SEARCH.'' Click on Open Docket Folder on the line associated with 
this rulemaking. You may also visit the Docket Management Facility in 
Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the Department of Transportation 
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, 20590, 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.

3. Privacy Act

    Anyone can search the electronic form of comments received into any 
of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or 
signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, 
business, labor union, etc.). You may review a Privacy Act notice 
regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008, issue of the 
Federal Register (73 FR 3316).

4. Public Meeting

    We do not now plan to hold a public meeting. But you may submit a 
request for one using one of the four methods specified under 
ADDRESSES. Please explain why one would be beneficial. If we determine 
that one would aid this rulemaking, we will hold one at a time and 
place announced by a later notice in the Federal Register.

B. Regulatory History and Information

    The US 90 (Danzinger) Bridge, mile 3.1, has a current operating 
schedule under 33 CFR 117.458(b). The bridge shall open on signal; 
except that from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. the draw shall open on signal if at 
least four hours notice is given, and the draw need not be opened from 
7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The 
Senator Ted Hickey (Leon C. Simon Blvd./Seabrook) Bridge has a current 
operating schedule under 33 CFR 117.458(c). The bridge will open on 
signal at all times but is allowed to remain closed from 7 a.m. to 8:30 
a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Louisiana 
Department of Transportation and Development (LDOTD) (representing the 
New Orleans Levee District which is the bridge owner) has requested to 
change the notice required for opening the US 90 (Danzinger) Bridge to 
two hours notice 24 hours a day; except that the draw need not be 
opened from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through 
Friday. LDOTD would also like to change the required opening for the 
Senator Ted Hickey bridge to on signal from 8 a.m. through 8 p.m., open 
on signal if two hours notice is given from 8 p.m. through 8 a.m. and 
that the draw need not be opened from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 
6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
    LDOTD initiated this request without prior consultation of waterway 
users, but did consult with the Coast Guard Eighth District Coastal 
Region Bridge Branch (dpb) in New Orleans for guidance on how to comply 
with the requirements of 33 CFR part 117.8. There were no previous 
regulatory publications or public notices announcing this proposed 
rule. However, the Coast Guard decided that a test deviation would run 
in conjunction with the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to ensure 
that there were no major concerns on the part of the waterway users. 
The test deviation will run for thirty days in the middle of the NPRM 
comment period; from fifteen days after the NPRM comment period begins 
until fifteen days before it ends. The docket number for the test 
deviation is also USCG-2013-0562. Comments are encouraged.

C. Basis and Purpose

    LDOTD, on behalf of the Orleans Levee District, has requested to 
modify the operating regulations of the U.S. 90 (Danziger) and the 
Senator Ted Hickey (Leon C. Simon Blvd./Seabrook) bridges on the Inner 
Harbor Navigational Canal (IHNC) past the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway 
(GIWW). The proposed change would allow LDOTD to operate these two 
bridges with the same personnel, thereby increasing the overall 
efficiency of operations on these bridges and ultimately reducing 
overall operational costs while allowing for improved transit through 
these bridges. This section of the IHNC is not on the GIWW and 
therefore has far fewer opening requests than the GIWW bridges do. The 
Danzinger Bridge averaged nine openings a month, for vessel traffic, in 
the last year. The Senator Ted Hickey Bridge averaged 32 openings per 
month, for vessel traffic, in the last year. This regulatory change 
would allow for a minimal amount of personnel to work this section of 
the IHNC while still enabling efficient marine commerce in the area. 
These proposed changes would also align the two bridges' operating 
regulations to simplify the planning and use of these bridges by the 
waterway users.
    The US 90 (Danzinger) Bridge across the IHNC, mile 3.1, at New 
Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana is a vertical lift bridge with a 
vertical clearance of 50 feet above Mean High Water (MHW), elevation 
5.0 Mean Sea Level (MSL), in the closed-to-navigation position and 120 
feet MHW, elevation 5.0 MSL, in the open-to-navigation position. The 
Senator Ted Hickey (Leon C. Simon Blvd./Seabrook) Bridge across the 
IHNC, mile 4.6, at New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana is a bascule 
bridge with a vertical clearance of 46 feet above Mean High Water 
(MHW), elevation 5.0 Mean Sea Level (MSL), in the closed-to-navigation 
position and unlimited in the open-to-navigation position.

D. Discussion of Proposed Rule

    The bridge owner would like to modify the existing regulation under 
33 CFR 117.458(b) and (c). The proposed change to 33 CFR 117.458(b) 
would allow the bridge to open if two hours notice is given 24 hours a 
day; except the bridge need not open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 5 
p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The proposed change to 33 CFR 
117.458(c) would allow the bridge to open on signal from 8 a.m. to 8 
p.m. and from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. if two hours notice is given; except the 
bridge need not open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 
Monday through Friday. These regulatory changes would allow LDOTD to 
improve the systematic efficiency of bridge operations for vessels 
using the

[[Page 63138]]

portions of the IHNC that are not associated with the GIWW. The 
proposed changes would do this by allowing the bridge operations to be 
accomplished with the same personnel and allowing the regulations to 
work with one another thereby allowing for faster response times for 
openings and more efficient use of the water way and ultimately more 
fiscal responsibility on behalf of the owner. There are no alternative 
routes in this area. Traffic that does not require an opening may pass 
at any time.

E. Regulatory Analyses

    We developed this proposed rule after considering numerous statutes 
and executive orders related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our 
analyses based on these statutes or executive orders.

1. Regulatory Planning and Review

    This proposed rule is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, 
as supplemented by Executive Order 13563, Improving Regulation and 
Regulatory Review, and does not require an assessment of potential 
costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of Order 12866 or under 
section 1 of Executive Order 13563. The Office of Management and Budget 
has not reviewed it under those Orders.
    This proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action. This 
proposed rule merely modifies a currently existing regulation by 
adjusting the required time of notification necessary to request a 
bridge opening. If this proposed change is made permanent, mariners 
passing through this area will be aware of the notification 
requirements and will be able to plan their transits accordingly and 
provide the proper notice if necessary.

2. Impact on Small Entities

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), 5 U.S.C. 601-612, as 
amended, requires federal agencies to consider the potential impact of 
regulations on small entities during rulemaking. The term ``small 
entities'' comprises small businesses, not-for-profit organizations 
that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their 
fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 
50,000. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this 
proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.
    This proposed rule would affect the following entities, some of 
which might be small entities: the owners or operators of vessels 
needing to transit the Danzinger Bridge with less than two hours notice 
24 hours a day and the owners or operators of vessels needing to 
transit the Senator Tom Hickey bridge between 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. on less 
than a two-hour notice.
    This action will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities for the following reasons: This 
proposed rule would create a consistency of operational times as well 
as allow for the operation of the bridges on this part of the waterway 
as a system rather than as individual bridges as vessel traffic is 
relatively low in this general area. By allowing for consistency 
between the bridge schedules, this proposed rule change could actually 
allow for a better flow of commerce in this area. Vessels that can 
safely transit under the bridge may do so at any time.
    If you think that your business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this proposed rule 
would have a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment 
(see ADDRESSES) explaining why you think it qualifies and how and to 
what degree this proposed rule would economically affect it.

3. Assistance for Small Entities

    Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-121), we want to assist small 
entities in understanding this proposed rule. If the proposed rule 
would affect your small business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its provisions or 
options for compliance, please contact the person listed in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, above. The Coast Guard will not retaliate 
against small entities that question or complain about this proposed 
rule or any policy or action of the Coast Guard.

4. Collection of Information

    This proposed rule would call for no new collection of information 
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520.).

5. Federalism

    A rule has implications for federalism under Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, if it has a substantial direct effect on the States, on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government. We have analyzed this proposed rule under that Order and 
have determined that it does not have implications for federalism.

6. Protest Activities

    The Coast Guard respects the First Amendment rights of protesters. 
Protesters are asked to contact the person listed in the ``For Further 
Information Contact'' section to coordinate protest activities so that 
your message can be received without jeopardizing the safety or 
security of people, places or vessels.

7. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary 
regulatory actions. In particular, the Act addresses actions that may 
result in the expenditure by a State, local, or tribal government, in 
the aggregate, or by the private sector of $100,000,000 (adjusted for 
inflation) or more in any one year. Though this proposed rule will not 
result in such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this 
proposed rule elsewhere in this preamble.

8. Taking of Private Property

    This proposed rule would not cause a taking of private property or 
otherwise have taking implications under Executive Order 12630, 
Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected 
Property Rights.

9. Civil Justice Reform

    This proposed rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and 
3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize 
litigation, eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.

10. Protection of Children

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under Executive Order 13045, 
Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety 
Risks. This proposed rule is not an economically significant rule and 
would not create an environmental risk to health or risk to safety that 
might disproportionately affect children.

11. Indian Tribal Governments

    This proposed rule does not have tribal implications under 
Executive Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal 
Governments, because it would not have a substantial direct effect on 
one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal 
Government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of

[[Page 63139]]

power and responsibilities between the Federal Government and Indian 
tribes.

12. Energy Effects

    This proposed rule is not a ``significant energy action'' under 
Executive Order 13211, Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use.

13. Technical Standards

    This proposed rule does not use technical standards. Therefore, we 
did not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.

14. Environment

    We have analyzed this proposed rule under Department of Homeland 
Security Management Directive 023-01 and Commandant Instruction 
M16475.lD, which guides the Coast Guard in complying with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA)(42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f), and have 
made a preliminary determination that this action is one of a category 
of actions which do not individually or cumulatively have a significant 
effect on the human environment. This proposed rule simply promulgates 
the operating regulations or procedures for drawbridges. This rule is 
categorically excluded, under figure 2-1, paragraph (32)(e), of the 
Instruction.
    Under figure 2-1, paragraph (32)(e), of the Instruction, an 
environmental analysis checklist and a categorical exclusion 
determination are not required for this proposed rule. We seek any 
comments or information that may lead to the discovery of a significant 
environmental impact from this proposed rule.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 117

    Bridges.

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard proposes 
to amend 33 CFR part 117 as follows:

PART 117--DRAWBRIDGE OPERATION REGULATIONS

0
1. The authority citation for part 117 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 499; 33 CFR 1.05-1; Department of Homeland 
Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

0
2. In Sec.  117.458 revise paragraphs (b) and (c) to read as follows:

Sec.  117.458  Inner Harbor Navigation Canal, New Orleans.

* * * * *
    (b) The US 90 (Danzinger) Bridge, mile 3.1, shall open on signal if 
at least two hours notice is given; except that the draw need not be 
opened from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through 
Friday.
    (c) The draw of the Senator Ted Hickey (Leon C. Simon Blvd./
Seabrook) Bridge, mile 4.6, shall open on signal from 8 a.m. through 8 
p.m. and from 8 p.m. through 8 a.m. if at least two hours notice is 
given; except that the draw need not be opened from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. 
and 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

    Dated: September 23, 2013.
Kevin S. Cook,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2013-24319 Filed 10-22-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P