Drawbridge operations: Louisiana,

[Federal Register: January 5, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 2)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 406]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr05ja99-10]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 117

[CGD08-98-064]

RIN 2115-AE47

Drawbridge Operating Regulation; Lafourche Bayou, LA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is finalizing the interim regulations regarding the modifications to the operating regulations for the SR1 vertical lift bridge (Galliano-Tarpon bridge), mile 30.6, and the SR1 pontoon bridge (Cote Blanche bridge), mile 33.9, near Cutoff, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana.

DATES: This final rule becomes effective on January 5, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Documents referred to in this notice are available for inspection or copying at the office of the Eighth Coast Guard District, Bridge Administration Branch, Hale Boggs Federal Building, room 1313, 501 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-3396 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is (504) 589-2965. Commander (ob) maintains the public docket for this rulemaking.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David Frank, Bridge Administration Branch, telephone number 504-589-2965.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On October 14, 1998, the Coast Guard published interim regulations (63 FR 55030) to modify the drawbridge operation regulations for the SR1 vertical lift bridge (Galliano-Tarpon bridge), mile 30.6, and the SR1 pontoon bridge (Cote Blanche bridge), mile 33.9, near Cutoff, Lafourche Parish, Louisiana.

The modification to the regulation facilitates the movement of the school bus traffic while still providing for the reasonable needs of navigation. The interim rule requires the draws of the SR1 bridge, mile 30.6, and the SR1 bridge, mile 33.9, both near Cutoff, shall open on signal except that, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except Federal holidays, the draws need not open for the passage of vessels.

The 60-day comment period expired on December 14, 1998. The Coast Guard did not receive any comments during the comment period. Therefore, the interim rule is being adopted as a final rule.

Regulatory Evaluation

This final rule is not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and does not require an assessment of potential costs and benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that Order. It has not been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget under that Order. It is not significant under the regulatory policies and procedures of the Department of Transportation (DOT) (44 FR 11040; February 26, 1979). The Coast Guard expects the economic impact of this final rule to be so minimal that a full Regulatory Evaluation under paragraph 10e of the regulatory policies and procedures of DOT is unnecessary.

Small Entities

Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the Coast Guard considers whether this final rule will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. ``Small entities'' include (1) small businesses, not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and (2) governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000.

The amended regulation adjusts the hours that the bridges need not open for the passage of vessels by 30 minutes. Any impact the adjustment may have on small entities is not substantial. Therefore, the Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b) that this final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

Collection of Information

This final rule does not provide for a collection of information under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).

Federalism

The Coast Guard has analyzed this final rule under the principles and criteria contained in Executive Order 12612 and has determined that this rulemaking does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

Environment

The Coast Guard considered the environmental impact of this final rule and concluded that under Figure 2-1, CE # 32(e) of the NEPA Implementing Procedures, COMDINST M16475.IC, this final rule is categorically excluded from further environmental documentation. A ``Categorical Exclusion Determination'' is available in the docket for inspection or copying where indicated under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 117

Bridges.

Regulations

Accordingly, the interim rule amending 33 CFR part 117 which was published at 63 FR 55030 on October 14, 1998, is adopted as a final rule without change.

Dated: December 22, 1998. Paul J. Pluta, Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District.

[FR Doc. 99-55Filed1-4-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-15-M