Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2019/11/26/2019-25617.html
Timestamp: 2020-01-19 21:49:57
Document Index: 182284947

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 117', 'art 117', 'art 117', 'ART 117', 'art 117', '§ 117', '§ 117', 'art 165']

Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers and Burnham Canals. Milwaukee, WI, 65045-65049 [2019-25617] :: Coast Guard :: Department Of Homeland Security :: Regulation Tracker :: Justia
Justia Regulation Tracker Department Of Homeland Security Coast Guard Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers and Burnham Canals. Milwaukee, WI, 65045-65049 [2019-25617]
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers and Burnham Canals. Milwaukee, WI, 65045-65049 [2019-25617]
Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 228 / Tuesday, November 26, 2019 / Proposed Rules untimely filed comments will not be considered. Electronic comments must be submitted on or before December 16, 2019. The https://www.regulations.gov electronic filing system will accept comments until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time at the end of December 16, 2019. Comments received by mail/hand delivery/courier (for written/paper submissions) will be considered timely if they are postmarked or the delivery service acceptance receipt is on or before that date. Electronic Submissions Submit electronic comments in the following way: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Comments submitted electronically, including attachments, to https:// www.regulations.gov will be posted to the docket unchanged. Because your comment will be made public, you are solely responsible for ensuring that your comment does not include any confidential information that you or a third party may not wish to be posted, such as medical information, your or anyone else’s Social Security number, or confidential business information, such as a manufacturing process. Please note that if you include your name, contact information, or other information that identifies you in the body of your comments, that information will be posted on https://www.regulations.gov. • If you want to submit a comment with confidential information that you do not wish to be made available to the public, submit the comment as a written/paper submission and in the manner detailed (see ‘‘Written/Paper Submissions’’ and ‘‘Instructions’’). Written/Paper Submissions Submit written/paper submissions as follows: • Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier (for written/paper submissions): Dockets Management Staff (HFA–305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. • For written/paper comments submitted to the Dockets Management Staff, FDA will post your comment, as well as any attachments, except for information submitted, marked and identified, as confidential, if submitted as detailed in ‘‘Instructions.’’ Instructions: All submissions received must include the Docket No. FDA– 2019–N–2854 for ‘‘Premarket Tobacco Product Applications and Recordkeeping Requirements.’’ Received comments, those filed in a timely manner (see ADDRESSES), will be placed in the docket and, except for VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:02 Nov 25, 2019 Jkt 250001 those submitted as ‘‘Confidential Submissions,’’ publicly viewable at https://www.regulations.gov or at the Dockets Management Staff between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. • Confidential Submissions—To submit a comment with confidential information that you do not wish to be made publicly available, submit your comments only as a written/paper submission. You should submit two copies total. One copy will include the information you claim to be confidential with a heading or cover note that states ‘‘THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION.’’ The Agency will review this copy, including the claimed confidential information, in its consideration of comments. The second copy, which will have the claimed confidential information redacted/blacked out, will be available for public viewing and posted on https://www.regulations.gov. Submit both copies to the Dockets Management Staff. If you do not wish your name and contact information to be made publicly available, you can provide this information on the cover sheet and not in the body of your comments and you must identify this information as ‘‘confidential.’’ Any information marked as ‘‘confidential’’ will not be disclosed except in accordance with 21 CFR 10.20 and other applicable disclosure law. For more information about FDA’s posting of comments to public dockets, see 80 FR 56469, September 18, 2015, or access the information at: https://www.gpo.gov/ fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-09-18/pdf/201523389.pdf. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or the electronic and written/paper comments received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov and insert the docket number, found in brackets in the heading of this document, into the ‘‘Search’’ box and follow the prompts and/or go to the Dockets Management Staff, 5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061, Rockville, MD 20852. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Hart, Center for Tobacco Products, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 71, Rm. G335, Silver Spring, MD 20993–0002, 877– 287–1373, email: AskCTP@fda.hhs.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the Federal Register of September 25, 2019, FDA published a proposed rule that would, if finalized, establish requirements related to the content and format of premarket tobacco product applications, application review procedures, and recordkeeping. Interested persons were originally given PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 65045 until November 25, 2019, to comment on the proposed rule. Following publication of the proposed rule in the Federal Register of September 25, 2019, FDA received a request to allow interested persons additional time to comment. The requester asserted that the time period of 60 days was insufficient to allow potential respondents to thoroughly evaluate and address pertinent issues. FDA has considered the request and is reopening the comment period for the proposed rule for 20 days. The Agency believes that a 20-day reopening of the comment period allows adequate time for interested persons to submit comments without significantly delaying rulemaking on these important issues. Dated: November 21, 2019. Lowell J. Schiller, Principal Associate Commissioner for Policy. [FR Doc. 2019–25675 Filed 11–25–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4164–01–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 117 [Docket No. USCG–2019–0824] RIN 1625–AA09 Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers and Burnham Canals. Milwaukee, WI Coast Guard, DHS. Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking request for comments. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard is seeking information and comments on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with a test schedule for the bridges crossing the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers and South Menomonee and Burnham Canals. The City of Milwaukee requested the regulations to be reviewed and updated to allow for a more balanced flow of maritime and land based transportation. The current regulation has been in place for over 30 years and is obsolete. DATES: Comments and related materials must reach the Coast Guard on or before: January 27, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2019–0824 using Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\26NOP1.SGM 26NOP1 65046 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 228 / Tuesday, November 26, 2019 / Proposed Rules SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on submitting comments. If you have questions on this proposed rule, call or email Mr. Lee D. Soule, Bridge Management Specialist, Ninth Coast Guard District; telephone 216– 902–6085, email Lee.D.Soule@uscg.mil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: I. Table of Abbreviations CFR Code of Federal Regulations DHS Department of Homeland Security FR Federal Register IGLD85 International Great Lakes Datum of 1985 LWD Low Water Datum based on IGLD85 OMB Office of Management and Budget NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Advance Supplemental) § Section U.S.C. United States Code II. Background, Purpose and Legal Basis The Milwaukee River is approximately 104 miles long, beginning in Fond du Lac County the river flows easterly to a low head dam just above the Humboldt Avenue Bridge at mile 3.22 in downtown Milwaukee, WI. From here the river flows south to Lake Michigan. This southerly course of the Milwaukee River divides the lakefront area from the rest of the city. The Menomonee River joins the Milwaukee River at Mile 1.01 with the Kinnickinnic River joining the Milwaukee River at Mile 0.39. In total 21 bridges cross the Milwaukee River from mile 0.19 to mile 3.22. In the early 20th Century the Milwaukee River was heavily used to support the industries in and around the Great Lakes. Today, the river has been redeveloped as a tourist and recreational destination. From its confluence with the Milwaukee River the Menomonee River flows west for 33 miles. The lower three miles of the Menomonee River is passable by vessels over 600 feet in length. Seven bridges cross the navigable portion of the Menomonee River. Over the years the flour mills, packing plants, breweries, machine shops, railways, and tanneries have been replaced with parks, a casino, microbreweries, and the HarleyDavidson Museum. The coal powered heat plant near mile 1.61 was converted to natural gas, which eliminated the need for coal to be delivered by barge. At present the only docks receiving vessels are the two cement silos located near mile 1.61. The South Menomonee Canal and the Burnham Canal were both excavated during a waterways improvement VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:02 Nov 25, 2019 Jkt 250001 project in 1864. Both man-made canals are tributaries of the Menomonee River branching just above its mouth. The South Menomonee Canal is crossed by two bridges and the Burnham Canal is crossed by three bridges. The Kinnickinnic River flows north through the southern portion of the City of Milwaukee connecting with the Milwaukee River near Lake Michigan. Only the lower 2.30 miles of the river have been improved for vessel use. Five bridges cross the river with the Lincoln Avenue Bridge at the head of navigation. Freighters up to 1,000 feet in length transfer cargos at the confluence of the Kinnickinnic and Milwaukee Rivers. The Port of Milwaukee won the 2016 Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Pacesetter Award for significantly increasing international tonnage shipped through their port. Salt, cement, aggregate, liquid bulk products, coal, grain, and general cargo goods are shipped through this portion of the port. 2.4 million tons of materials were shipped and received in 2018. The Port of Milwaukee is currently ranked 23rd in tonnage among the Great Lakes harbors and is a designated harbor of refuge for the eastern side of Lake Michigan and can accommodate emergency docking of vessels up to 1,000 feet long. Most of the recreational vessels in Milwaukee moor in the lake front marinas and only transit the rivers. Boat yards on the Menomonee and Kinnickinnic rivers haul out and store most of the recreational vessels in the fall and winter months and launch the vessels in the spring. This action contributes to a considerable surge in drawbridge openings in the fall and spring. III. Discussion of Proposed Rule In response to downtown Milwaukee residents’ concerns regarding in a pronounced increase in vehicular traffic in the area, the City of Milwaukee has requested a complete review of the bridge regulations in this area. Over the years these regulations have been amended considerably. This has had the effect of making them difficult to comprehend to the average person. In addition the cyclic higher water levels over the past 3 years and increased number of passenger vessels in the downtown area have resulted in significantly more bridge openings. Lastly, the conversion of older business building into condominiums have increased the evening vehicle traffic causing major traffic delays when the bridges are lifted. While the Milwaukee River is the primary concern with residents and mariners, this rulemaking PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 proposes changes to the language governing bridges in the entire Milwaukee Harbor area, for the purpose of updating these regulations accurately reflect the current operational needs of these bridges and make them easier to understand by the general public. Currently, the Canadian Pacific Railroad Bridge at Mile 1.74 over the Burnham Canal and the Sixth Street Bridge at Mile 1.37 over the Menomonee River are closed by regulation and do not need to open for the passage of vessels. The City of Milwaukee has requested that the Sixteenth Street Bridge, mile 2.14, over the Menomonee River remain closed and not open by regulation. No vessels have requested a bridge opening in at least 10 years and the bridge provides a horizontal clearance of 120 feet and a vertical clearance of 35 feet above LWD, allowing most vessels to pass under the bridge without an opening. The Coast Guard is working with the City of Milwaukee to convert the Sixteenth Street Bridge to a fixed structure. Ice has historically hindered or prevented navigation during the winter months. For the last eight years the Coast Guard has authorized the drawbridges to open on signal with a 12-hour advance notice of arrival for vessels from November 19th to April 16th. After careful review of the drawtender logs provided by the City of Milwaukee, the Coast Guard proposes to allow all bridges to require a 12-hour advance notice for openings from November 1st to April 15th each year. The City of Milwaukee requested that from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily, the bridges would open on signal with a 2-hour advance notice. During these hours the bridges would not be manned and roving drawtenders would open the bridges for vessels. After reviewing the 2016, 2017, and 2018 drawtender logs it was found that for those hours between April and November of each year an average of 45 vessels requested openings. Of these requests an average of 32 openings were between the hours of 11 p.m. and midnight. From midnight to 7 a.m. there were only 13 vessels that requested openings. Based on the data reviewed we have concluded that, due to a lack of openings from midnight to 7 a.m. daily, the bridges shall open on signal if provided a 2-hour advance notice of arrival, meets the reasonable needs of navigation. The City of Milwaukee also reported receiving several complaints from residents in the downtown area concerning the noise associated with the waterfront. To improve the quality of downtown living we propose to remove the special sound signals listed in the E:\FR\FM\26NOP1.SGM 26NOP1 65047 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 228 / Tuesday, November 26, 2019 / Proposed Rules CFR for each bridge. Mariners would request openings by using the standard sound signal of one prolonged blast followed by one short blast or by agreement on VHF–FM Marine Radio or by telephone. From Midnight to 7 a.m. the bridges would require a 2-hour advance notice of arrival provided by VHF–FM Marine Radio or by telephone thus reducing some of the noise associated with the waterfront. The City of Milwaukee requests to operate the following bridges remotely: North Plankinton Avenue, mile 1.08, and North Sixth Street, mile 1.37, and North Ember Lane, mile 1.95, all over the Menomonee River. Each remotely operated bridge will have sufficient equipment to operate as if a drawtender is in attendance at the bridge. No drawtender will be responsible for monitoring or operating more than 3 drawbridges at any time. At a minimum each remotely operated drawbridge will have the capabilities to communicate by 2-way public address system, equipment capable of making appropriate sound signals as required, and have adequate camera systems in place to safely operate the bridge. Daily average vehicle counts Bridge name Broadway ................................................................................. Water St ................................................................................... St. Paul Ave ............................................................................. Clybourn St .............................................................................. Michigan St .............................................................................. Wisconsin Ave ......................................................................... Wells St .................................................................................... Kilbourn Ave ............................................................................ Juneau Ave .............................................................................. Cherry St .................................................................................. Pleasant St .............................................................................. Knapp St .................................................................................. Kinnickinnic Ave ....................................................................... South First St ........................................................................... North Plankinton Ave ............................................................... North 6th St ............................................................................. South 6th St ............................................................................. (Muskego) Emmber Ln ............................................................ 1st Street ................................................................................. The current regulation allows for no openings from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for vehicular rush hours. The city has requested to start the evening rush hour at 4 p.m. instead of 4:30 p.m. to help relieve vehicle congestion. The city of Milwaukee provided the following vehicle data provided by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to support the additional 30 minutes of evening rush hour times. We have averaged the data into this spreadsheet: Average vehicle counts 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 11,201 17,753 10,344 11,262 10,484 10,423 8,372 15,590 7,265 No Data 6,307 20,792 17,019 12,992 6,578 15,045 15,045 4,616 13,772 Average vehicle counts 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 1,582 1,669 No Data 955 1,202 1,144 1,114 No Data No Data No Data No Data No Data No Data No Data No Data No Data No Data No Data No Data Average vehicle counts 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 332 742 No Data 848 304 323 295 No Data No Data No Data * 882 No Data No Data No Data + 768 No Data No Data No Data 902 1,914 2,411 No Data 1,803 1,506 1,467 1,409 No Data No Data No Data No Data No Data No Data No Data No Data No Data No Data No Data 4,107 * PEAK. + PEAK Daily. Based on the data provided we intend to extend the rush hour times of no lifts to 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Additionally, at the time when the original regulation was being written the stipulating regulation regarding the opening of bridges for public safety vessels had not yet been promulgated. An exception was included for vessels carrying U.S. mail and vessels that carry over 50 passengers for hire. The mail service no longer arrives by vessel. Limiting the exclusion by passenger count excludes other commercial vessels from transiting the river. This exclusion is only for the times the bridges do not need to open during high traffic times. During the test deviation, which is planned for the summer of 2020, the intent is to modify this exception to read: ‘‘commercial vessels documented over 50 tons.’’ This prevents tug and barge, cement boats, and other large commercial vessels from getting trapped between bridges, which creates an especially unsafe condition. VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:02 Nov 25, 2019 Jkt 250001 IV. 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 and Executive Orders and we discuss First Amendment rights of protestors. A. Regulatory Planning and Review Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits. Executive Order 13771 directs agencies to control regulatory costs through a budgeting process. This NPRM has not been designated a ‘‘significant regulatory action,’’ under Executive Order 12866. Accordingly, the NPRM has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and pursuant to OMB guidance it is exempt from the requirements of Executive Order 13771. PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 This Proposed rule is soliciting comments for the test deviation planned for the summer navigation season of 2020. Additional comments are encouraged throughout the test deviation, when that publishes. B. 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. While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the bridge may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section IV.A above this proposed rule would not have a E:\FR\FM\26NOP1.SGM 26NOP1 65048 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 228 / Tuesday, November 26, 2019 / Proposed Rules significant economic impact on any vessel owner or operator. The bridges will open on signal with advance notice. The hours the bridges would be closed to accommodate high number of vehicle crossings is only 1 hour in the morning and 1.5 hours in the evening and supports other small business by eliminating traffic congestion and accessibility to those downtown business. If you think that your business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this 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 rule would economically affect it. Under section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104–121), we want to assist small entities in understanding this proposed rule. If the 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. C. 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.). D. Federalism and Indian Tribal Government 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 is consistent with the fundamental federalism principles and preemption requirements described in Executive Order 13132. Also, 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 power and responsibilities between the VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:02 Nov 25, 2019 Jkt 250001 Federal Government and Indian tribes. If you believe this proposed rule has implications for federalism or Indian tribes, please contact the person listed in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section above. E. 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. F. Environment We have analyzed this rule under Department of Homeland Security Management Directive 023–01, U.S. Coast Guard Environmental Planning Policy COMDTINST 5090.1 (series) and U.S. Coast Guard Environmental Planning Implementation Procedures (series) which guide the Coast Guard in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA)(42 U.S.C. 4321–4370f). We have made a preliminary determination that this action is one of a category of actions that do not individually or cumulatively have a significant effect on the human environment. This proposed rule promulgates the operating regulations or procedures for drawbridges. Normally this action is categorically excluded from further review, under paragraph L49, of Chapter 3, Table 3–1 of the U.S. Coast Guard Environmental Planning Implementation Procedures. Neither a Record of Environmental Consideration nor a Memorandum for the Record are required for this rule. G. 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. V. Public Participation and Request for Comments We view public participation as essential to effective rulemaking, and will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. Your comment can help shape the PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 outcome of this rulemaking. If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking, indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. We encourage you to submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http:// www.regulations.gov. If your material cannot be submitted using http:// www.regulations.gov, contact the person in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document for alternate instructions. We accept anonymous comments. All comments received will be posted without change to http:// www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. For more about privacy and the docket, visit http:// www.regulations.gov/privacynotice. Documents mentioned in this NPRM as being available in this docket and all public comments, will be in our online docket at http://www.regulations.gov and can be viewed by following that website’s instructions. Additionally, if you go to the online docket and sign up for email alerts, you will be notified when comments are posted or a final rule is published. 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 1. The authority citation for part 117 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 33 U.S.C. 499; 33 CFR 1.05–1; DHS Delegation No. 0170.1. 2. Revise § 117.1093 to read as follows: ■ § 117.1093 Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers and Burnham Canals. (a) The draws of the bridges over the Milwaukee River shall operate as follows: (1) The draws of the North Broadway Street bridge, mile 0.5, and North Water Street bridge, mile 0.6, and Michigan Street bridge, mile 1.1, shall open on signal; except that, from April 16th through November 1st, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the draws need not be opened, and from midnight to 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday except Federal holidays the bridges will open on signal if a 2-hour advance notice is provided. E:\FR\FM\26NOP1.SGM 26NOP1 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 228 / Tuesday, November 26, 2019 / Proposed Rules (2) The draws of all other bridges across the Milwaukee River shall open on signal if at least 2-hours’ notice is given except that, from April 16th through November 1st, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the draws need not be opened. (3) The following bridges are remotely operated, are required to operate a radiotelephone, and shall open as noted in this section; St. Paul Avenue, mile 1.21, Clybourn Street, mile 1.28, Wells Street, mile 1.61, Kilbourn Street, mile 1.70, State Street, mile 1.79, Highland Avenue, mile 1.97, and Knapp Street, mile 2.14. (4) No commercial vessel over 50 tons shall be held between any bridge at any time and must be passed as soon as possible. (5) From November 2nd through April 15th, all drawbridges over the Milwaukee River will open on signal if a 12-hour advance notice is provided. (b) The draws of bridges across the Menomonee River and South Menomonee Canal operate as follows: (1) The draw of the North Plankinton Avenue bridge across the Menomonee River, mile 1.08, shall open on signal; except that, from April 16th through November 1st, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the draws need not be opened, and from midnight to 7 a.m. Monday through Friday except Federal holidays the bridges will open on signal if a 2hour advance notice is provided. (2) The draws of all other bridges across the Menomonee River and South Menomonee Canal shall open on signal if at least 2-hours’ notice is given except that, from April 16th through November 1st, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the draws need not be opened. (3) The following bridges are remotely operated, are required to operate a radiotelephone, and shall open as noted in this section; North Plankinton Avenue, mile 1.08, North Sixth Street, mile 1.37, and North Ember Lane, mile 1.95, all over the Menomonee River and South Sixth Street, mile 1.51, over the South Menomonee Canal. (4) No commercial vessel over 50 tons shall be held between any bridge at any time and must be passed as soon as possible. (5) From November 2nd through April 15th, all drawbridges over the Menomonee River and South Menomonee Canal will open on signal if a 12-hour advance notice is provided. (c) The draws of bridges across the Kinnickinnic River operate as follows: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:02 Nov 25, 2019 Jkt 250001 (1) The draw of the Kinnickinnic Avenue bridge, mile 1.5, shall open on signal; except that, from April 16th through November 1st, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the draws need not be opened, and from midnight to 7 a.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the bridges will open on signal if a 2hour advance notice is provided. (2) The draws of all other bridges across the Kinnickinnic River shall open on signal if at least 2-hours’ notice is given except that, from April 16th through November 1st, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the draws need not be opened. (3) The following bridges are remotely operated, are required to operate a radiotelephone, and shall open as noted in this section; The South First Street Bridge, mile 1.78. (4) No commercial vessel over 50 tons shall be held between any bridge at any time and must be passed as soon as possible. (5) From November 2nd through April 15th, all drawbridges over the Kinnickinnic River will open on signal if a 12-hour advance notice is provided. (d) The Canadian Pacific Railroad Bridge at Mile 1.74 over the Burnham Canal, and the Sixteenth Street Bridge, mile 2.14, over the Menomonee River are closed by regulation and do not need to open for the passage of vessels. Dated: November 19, 2019. D.L. Cottrell, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Ninth Coast Guard District. [FR Doc. 2019–25617 Filed 11–25–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 165 [Docket Number USCG–2019–0837] RIN 1625–AA00 Safety Zone; Lower Mississippi River, Mile Markers 229.5 to 230.5 Baton Rouge, LA Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard is proposing to establish a temporary safety zone for navigable waters of the Lower Mississippi River from mile marker (MM) 229.5 to MM 230.5, above Head of Passes. The safety zone is needed to SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 65049 protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment on these navigable waters near Baton Rouge, LA, during a New Year’s Eve fireworks display. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector New Orleans. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking. DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before December 11, 2019. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2019–0837 using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further instructions on submitting comments. If you have questions about this proposed rulemaking, call or email Lieutenant Justin Maio, Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 225–298–5400 ext. 230, email Justin.P.Maio@uscg.mil. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: I. Table of Abbreviations BNM Broadcast Notice to Mariners CFR Code of Federal Regulations DHS Department of Homeland Security FR Federal Register NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking § Section U.S.C. United States Code II. Background, Purpose, and Legal Basis On September 25, 2019, the Office of the Mayor-President of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, notified the Coast Guard that it will be conducting a fireworks display from 11:55 p.m. on December 31, 2019, through 12:30 a.m. on January 01, 2020, to commemorate the New Year. The fireworks are to be launched from the East Bank of the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, near mile marker 230. Hazards from firework displays include accidental discharge of fireworks, dangerous projectiles, and falling hot embers or other debris. The Captain of the Port New Orleans (COTP) has determined that potential hazards associated with the fireworks to be used in this display would be a safety concern for anyone within a half mile of the display. The purpose of this rulemaking is to ensure the safety of vessels and the navigable waters within a half mile of the fireworks before, during, and after the scheduled event. The Coast Guard is proposing this rulemaking under E:\FR\FM\26NOP1.SGM 26NOP1
[Pages 65045-65049]
[FR Doc No: 2019-25617]
[Docket No. USCG-2019-0824]
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Milwaukee, Menomonee, and
Kinnickinnic Rivers and Burnham Canals. Milwaukee, WI
ACTION: Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking request for comments.
SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is seeking information and comments on a
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with a test schedule for the bridges
crossing the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers and South
Menomonee and Burnham Canals. The City of Milwaukee requested the
regulations to be reviewed and updated to allow for a more balanced
flow of maritime and land based transportation. The current regulation
has been in place for over 30 years and is obsolete.
DATES: Comments and related materials must reach the Coast Guard on or
before: January 27, 2020.
2019-0824 using Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov.
[[Page 65046]]
rule, call or email Mr. Lee D. Soule, Bridge Management Specialist,
Ninth Coast Guard District; telephone 216-902-6085, email
IGLD85 International Great Lakes Datum of 1985
LWD Low Water Datum based on IGLD85
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Advance Supplemental)
The Milwaukee River is approximately 104 miles long, beginning in
Fond du Lac County the river flows easterly to a low head dam just
above the Humboldt Avenue Bridge at mile 3.22 in downtown Milwaukee,
WI. From here the river flows south to Lake Michigan. This southerly
course of the Milwaukee River divides the lakefront area from the rest
of the city. The Menomonee River joins the Milwaukee River at Mile 1.01
with the Kinnickinnic River joining the Milwaukee River at Mile 0.39.
In total 21 bridges cross the Milwaukee River from mile 0.19 to mile
3.22. In the early 20th Century the Milwaukee River was heavily used to
support the industries in and around the Great Lakes. Today, the river
has been redeveloped as a tourist and recreational destination. From
its confluence with the Milwaukee River the Menomonee River flows west
for 33 miles. The lower three miles of the Menomonee River is passable
by vessels over 600 feet in length. Seven bridges cross the navigable
portion of the Menomonee River.
Over the years the flour mills, packing plants, breweries, machine
shops, railways, and tanneries have been replaced with parks, a casino,
microbreweries, and the Harley-Davidson Museum. The coal powered heat
plant near mile 1.61 was converted to natural gas, which eliminated the
need for coal to be delivered by barge. At present the only docks
receiving vessels are the two cement silos located near mile 1.61.
The South Menomonee Canal and the Burnham Canal were both excavated
during a waterways improvement project in 1864. Both man-made canals
are tributaries of the Menomonee River branching just above its mouth.
The South Menomonee Canal is crossed by two bridges and the Burnham
Canal is crossed by three bridges.
The Kinnickinnic River flows north through the southern portion of
the City of Milwaukee connecting with the Milwaukee River near Lake
Michigan. Only the lower 2.30 miles of the river have been improved for
vessel use. Five bridges cross the river with the Lincoln Avenue Bridge
at the head of navigation. Freighters up to 1,000 feet in length
transfer cargos at the confluence of the Kinnickinnic and Milwaukee
The Port of Milwaukee won the 2016 Saint Lawrence Seaway
Development Pacesetter Award for significantly increasing international
tonnage shipped through their port. Salt, cement, aggregate, liquid
bulk products, coal, grain, and general cargo goods are shipped through
this portion of the port. 2.4 million tons of materials were shipped
and received in 2018. The Port of Milwaukee is currently ranked 23rd in
tonnage among the Great Lakes harbors and is a designated harbor of
refuge for the eastern side of Lake Michigan and can accommodate
emergency docking of vessels up to 1,000 feet long. Most of the
recreational vessels in Milwaukee moor in the lake front marinas and
only transit the rivers. Boat yards on the Menomonee and Kinnickinnic
rivers haul out and store most of the recreational vessels in the fall
and winter months and launch the vessels in the spring. This action
contributes to a considerable surge in drawbridge openings in the fall
In response to downtown Milwaukee residents' concerns regarding in
a pronounced increase in vehicular traffic in the area, the City of
Milwaukee has requested a complete review of the bridge regulations in
Over the years these regulations have been amended considerably.
This has had the effect of making them difficult to comprehend to the
average person. In addition the cyclic higher water levels over the
past 3 years and increased number of passenger vessels in the downtown
area have resulted in significantly more bridge openings. Lastly, the
conversion of older business building into condominiums have increased
the evening vehicle traffic causing major traffic delays when the
bridges are lifted. While the Milwaukee River is the primary concern
with residents and mariners, this rulemaking proposes changes to the
language governing bridges in the entire Milwaukee Harbor area, for the
purpose of updating these regulations accurately reflect the current
operational needs of these bridges and make them easier to understand
Currently, the Canadian Pacific Railroad Bridge at Mile 1.74 over
the Burnham Canal and the Sixth Street Bridge at Mile 1.37 over the
Menomonee River are closed by regulation and do not need to open for
the passage of vessels. The City of Milwaukee has requested that the
Sixteenth Street Bridge, mile 2.14, over the Menomonee River remain
closed and not open by regulation. No vessels have requested a bridge
opening in at least 10 years and the bridge provides a horizontal
clearance of 120 feet and a vertical clearance of 35 feet above LWD,
allowing most vessels to pass under the bridge without an opening. The
Coast Guard is working with the City of Milwaukee to convert the
Sixteenth Street Bridge to a fixed structure.
Ice has historically hindered or prevented navigation during the
winter months. For the last eight years the Coast Guard has authorized
the drawbridges to open on signal with a 12-hour advance notice of
arrival for vessels from November 19th to April 16th. After careful
review of the drawtender logs provided by the City of Milwaukee, the
Coast Guard proposes to allow all bridges to require a 12-hour advance
notice for openings from November 1st to April 15th each year.
The City of Milwaukee requested that from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily,
the bridges would open on signal with a 2-hour advance notice. During
these hours the bridges would not be manned and roving drawtenders
would open the bridges for vessels. After reviewing the 2016, 2017, and
2018 drawtender logs it was found that for those hours between April
and November of each year an average of 45 vessels requested openings.
Of these requests an average of 32 openings were between the hours of
11 p.m. and midnight. From midnight to 7 a.m. there were only 13
vessels that requested openings. Based on the data reviewed we have
concluded that, due to a lack of openings from midnight to 7 a.m.
daily, the bridges shall open on signal if provided a 2-hour advance
notice of arrival, meets the reasonable needs of navigation.
The City of Milwaukee also reported receiving several complaints
from residents in the downtown area concerning the noise associated
with the waterfront. To improve the quality of downtown living we
propose to remove the special sound signals listed in the
[[Page 65047]]
CFR for each bridge. Mariners would request openings by using the
standard sound signal of one prolonged blast followed by one short
blast or by agreement on VHF-FM Marine Radio or by telephone. From
Midnight to 7 a.m. the bridges would require a 2-hour advance notice of
arrival provided by VHF-FM Marine Radio or by telephone thus reducing
some of the noise associated with the waterfront.
The City of Milwaukee requests to operate the following bridges
remotely: North Plankinton Avenue, mile 1.08, and North Sixth Street,
mile 1.37, and North Ember Lane, mile 1.95, all over the Menomonee
River. Each remotely operated bridge will have sufficient equipment to
operate as if a drawtender is in attendance at the bridge. No
drawtender will be responsible for monitoring or operating more than 3
drawbridges at any time. At a minimum each remotely operated drawbridge
will have the capabilities to communicate by 2-way public address
system, equipment capable of making appropriate sound signals as
required, and have adequate camera systems in place to safely operate
The current regulation allows for no openings from 7:30 a.m. to
8:30 a.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for vehicular rush hours. The
city has requested to start the evening rush hour at 4 p.m. instead of
4:30 p.m. to help relieve vehicle congestion. The city of Milwaukee
provided the following vehicle data provided by the Wisconsin
Department of Transportation to support the additional 30 minutes of
evening rush hour times. We have averaged the data into this
Average vehicle    Average vehicle    Average vehicle
Bridge name                Daily average     counts 4:30 p.m.   counts 4 p.m. to   counts 4:00 p.m.
vehicle counts      to 5:30 p.m.        4:30 p.m.         to 5:30 p.m.
Broadway............................             11,201              1,582                332              1,914
Water St............................             17,753              1,669                742              2,411
St. Paul Ave........................             10,344            No Data            No Data            No Data
Clybourn St.........................             11,262                955                848              1,803
Michigan St.........................             10,484              1,202                304              1,506
Wisconsin Ave.......................             10,423              1,144                323              1,467
Wells St............................              8,372              1,114                295              1,409
Kilbourn Ave........................             15,590            No Data            No Data            No Data
Juneau Ave..........................              7,265            No Data            No Data            No Data
Cherry St...........................            No Data            No Data            No Data            No Data
Pleasant St.........................              6,307            No Data              * 882            No Data
Knapp St............................             20,792            No Data            No Data            No Data
Kinnickinnic Ave....................             17,019            No Data            No Data            No Data
South First St......................             12,992            No Data            No Data            No Data
North Plankinton Ave................              6,578            No Data              + 768            No Data
North 6th St........................             15,045            No Data            No Data            No Data
South 6th St........................             15,045            No Data            No Data            No Data
(Muskego) Emmber Ln.................              4,616            No Data            No Data            No Data
1st Street..........................             13,772            No Data                902              4,107
* PEAK.
+ PEAK Daily.
Based on the data provided we intend to extend the rush hour times
of no lifts to 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except
Additionally, at the time when the original regulation was being
written the stipulating regulation regarding the opening of bridges for
public safety vessels had not yet been promulgated. An exception was
included for vessels carrying U.S. mail and vessels that carry over 50
passengers for hire. The mail service no longer arrives by vessel.
Limiting the exclusion by passenger count excludes other commercial
vessels from transiting the river. This exclusion is only for the times
the bridges do not need to open during high traffic times. During the
test deviation, which is planned for the summer of 2020, the intent is
to modify this exception to read: ``commercial vessels documented over
50 tons.'' This prevents tug and barge, cement boats, and other large
commercial vessels from getting trapped between bridges, which creates
an especially unsafe condition.
analyses based on these statutes and Executive Orders and we discuss
Management and Budget (OMB) and pursuant to OMB guidance it is exempt
This Proposed rule is soliciting comments for the test deviation
planned for the summer navigation season of 2020. Additional comments
are encouraged throughout the test deviation, when that publishes.
substantial number of small entities. While some owners or operators of
vessels intending to transit the bridge may be small entities, for the
reasons stated in section IV.A above this proposed rule would not have
[[Page 65048]]
significant economic impact on any vessel owner or operator. The
bridges will open on signal with advance notice. The hours the bridges
would be closed to accommodate high number of vehicle crossings is only
1 hour in the morning and 1.5 hours in the evening and supports other
small business by eliminating traffic congestion and accessibility to
those downtown business.
proposed rule elsewhere in this preamble.
Management Directive 023-01, U.S. Coast Guard Environmental Planning
Policy COMDTINST 5090.1 (series) and U.S. Coast Guard Environmental
Planning Implementation Procedures (series) which guide the Coast Guard
in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(NEPA)(42 U.S.C. 4321-4370f). We have made a preliminary determination
environment. This proposed rule promulgates the operating regulations
or procedures for drawbridges. Normally this action is categorically
excluded from further review, under paragraph L49, of Chapter 3, Table
3-1 of the U.S. Coast Guard Environmental Planning Implementation
Neither a Record of Environmental Consideration nor a Memorandum
for the Record are required for this rule.
docket, visit http://www.regulations.gov/privacynotice.
Documents mentioned in this NPRM as being available in this docket
and all public comments, will be in our online docket at http://www.regulations.gov and can be viewed by following that website's
Authority:  33 U.S.C. 499; 33 CFR 1.05-1; DHS Delegation No.
2. Revise Sec.  117.1093 to read as follows:
Sec.  117.1093  Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers and
Burnham Canals.
(a) The draws of the bridges over the Milwaukee River shall operate
(1) The draws of the North Broadway Street bridge, mile 0.5, and
North Water Street bridge, mile 0.6, and Michigan Street bridge, mile
1.1, shall open on signal; except that, from April 16th through
November 1st, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the draws need not be
opened, and from midnight to 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday except
Federal holidays the bridges will open on signal if a 2-hour advance
[[Page 65049]]
(2) The draws of all other bridges across the Milwaukee River shall
open on signal if at least 2-hours' notice is given except that, from
April 16th through November 1st, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4
p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the
draws need not be opened.
(3) The following bridges are remotely operated, are required to
operate a radiotelephone, and shall open as noted in this section; St.
Paul Avenue, mile 1.21, Clybourn Street, mile 1.28, Wells Street, mile
1.61, Kilbourn Street, mile 1.70, State Street, mile 1.79, Highland
Avenue, mile 1.97, and Knapp Street, mile 2.14.
(4) No commercial vessel over 50 tons shall be held between any
bridge at any time and must be passed as soon as possible.
(5) From November 2nd through April 15th, all drawbridges over the
Milwaukee River will open on signal if a 12-hour advance notice is
(b) The draws of bridges across the Menomonee River and South
Menomonee Canal operate as follows:
(1) The draw of the North Plankinton Avenue bridge across the
Menomonee River, mile 1.08, shall open on signal; except that, from
draws need not be opened, and from midnight to 7 a.m. Monday through
Friday except Federal holidays the bridges will open on signal if a 2-
hour advance notice is provided.
(2) The draws of all other bridges across the Menomonee River and
South Menomonee Canal shall open on signal if at least 2-hours' notice
is given except that, from April 16th through November 1st, from 7:30
a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays, the draws need not be opened.
operate a radiotelephone, and shall open as noted in this section;
North Plankinton Avenue, mile 1.08, North Sixth Street, mile 1.37, and
North Ember Lane, mile 1.95, all over the Menomonee River and South
Sixth Street, mile 1.51, over the South Menomonee Canal.
Menomonee River and South Menomonee Canal will open on signal if a 12-
(c) The draws of bridges across the Kinnickinnic River operate as
(1) The draw of the Kinnickinnic Avenue bridge, mile 1.5, shall
open on signal; except that, from April 16th through November 1st, from
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays, the draws need not be opened, and from
midnight to 7 a.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays, the
bridges will open on signal if a 2-hour advance notice is provided.
(2) The draws of all other bridges across the Kinnickinnic River
shall open on signal if at least 2-hours' notice is given except that,
from April 16th through November 1st, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and
from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays, the draws need not be opened.
operate a radiotelephone, and shall open as noted in this section; The
South First Street Bridge, mile 1.78.
Kinnickinnic River will open on signal if a 12-hour advance notice is
(d) The Canadian Pacific Railroad Bridge at Mile 1.74 over the
Burnham Canal, and the Sixteenth Street Bridge, mile 2.14, over the
[FR Doc. 2019-25617 Filed 11-25-19; 8:45 am]