Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Goethals Bridge Replacement Project, 49504-49506 [2010-19630]

Download as PDF emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES 49504 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 156 / Friday, August 13, 2010 / Notices fees on this sector of the device industry, which plays an important role in fostering innovation. The negotiated performance goals and commitments that do not have specific timeframes or direct measures of performance set under MDUFMA were comprehensive and demanding. By Fiscal Year (FY) 2007, approximately 85 performance goals and commitments were in effect. FDA provided periodic reports on its progress towards meeting these performance goals and commitments to its stakeholders and Congress. FDA also provided an annual financial report to Congress that helped to ensure transparency and accountability of its use of the additional resources provided by MDUFMA. In 2007, Congress reauthorized medical device user fees through FY 2012 under the Medical Device User Fee Amendments of 2007 (MDUFA) (title II of the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 (FDAAA) (Public Law 110–85). Under MDUFA, the user fee program remained intact, with a few significant modifications to the program. The user fee framework was changed to provide a more reliable and stable funding stream. Specifically, MDUFA included establishment registration as a new fee type that provided a more predictable amount of funds that could be collected by the Agency in any given year. MDUFA also saw changes to the performance goals. Compared to MDUFMA, there were fewer performance goals under MDUFA, yet the goals were more demanding. Specifically, individual cycle goals were removed and tighter overall goals were implemented. This was done to facilitate a more interactive review process. Specific timelines were established under MDUFA for Modular Premarket Approvals (PMAs) and RealTime PMA supplements, which were not included under MDUFMA in 2002. The commitment letter outlining the goals in the last reauthorization can be found at https://www.fda.gov/MDUFA. FDA published a number of reports that provide the public with useful background on MDUFMA, FDAAA, and MDUFA. Key Federal Register documents, MDUFA-related guidance documents, legislation, performance reports, and financial reports and plans can be found at https://www.fda.gov/ MDUFA. FDA will also post a webinar on the medical device user fee program to give the public more background information on the program. The webinar will be available through the link to the Public Meeting at https:// www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:35 Aug 12, 2010 Jkt 220001 Freedom of Information (HFI–35), Office of Management Programs, Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, rm. 6–30, Rockville, MD 20857. NewsEvents/WorkshopsConferences/ ucm218250.htm approximately 10 days before the public meeting. FDAAA specific information is available at https://www.fda.gov/ RegulatoryInformation/Legislation/ FederalFoodDrugand CosmeticActFDCAct/Significant AmendmentstotheFDCAct/ FoodandDrugAdministration AmendmentsActof2007/default.htm. Dated: August 6, 2010. Leslie Kux, Acting Assistant Commissioner for Policy. III. What Information Should You Know About the Meeting? DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY A. When and Where Will the Meeting Occur? What Format Will FDA Use? Coast Guard Through this notice, we are announcing a public meeting to hear stakeholder views on the reauthorization of the medical device user fee program, including specific suggestions for any changes to the program that we should consider. We will conduct the meeting on September 14, 2010. In general, the meeting format will include presentations by FDA and a series of panels representing different stakeholder interest groups (such as patient advocates, consumer protection, industry, health professionals, and academic researchers). We will also provide an opportunity for individuals to make presentations at the meeting and for organizations and individuals to submit written comments to the docket after the meeting. FDA policy issues are beyond the scope of these reauthorization discussions. Accordingly, the presentations should focus on program improvements and funding issues, including specific suggestions for changes to performance goals, and not focus on policy issues. B. What Questions Would FDA Like the Public to Consider? Please consider the following questions for this meeting: 1. What is your assessment of the overall performance of the medical device user fee program thus far? 2. What aspects of the medical device user fee program should be retained, changed, or discontinued to further strengthen and improve the program? C. Will Meeting Transcripts be Available? Please be advised that as soon as a transcript is available, it will be accessible at https:// www.regulations.gov. It may be viewed at the Division of Dockets Management (see Comments). A transcript will also be available in either hard copy or on CD–ROM, after submission of a Freedom of Information request. Written requests are to be sent to Division of PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 [FR Doc. 2010–19843 Filed 8–12–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4160–01–S [Docket No. USCG–2009–0097] Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Goethals Bridge Replacement Project Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of availability. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard announces the availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed replacement by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey of the 82-year old Goethals Bridge across the Arthur Kill between Staten Island, NY, and Elizabeth, NJ. The FEIS analyzes the potential for impact to the natural, human and cultural environment of the proposed Goethals Bridge Replacement Project. DATES: The review period for the FEIS will close on September 13, 2010. Comments and related material must either be submitted to our online docket via https://www.regulations.gov on or before September 13, 2010 or reach the Docket Management Facility by that date. SUMMARY: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2009–0097 using any one of the following methods: (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. (2) Fax: 202–493–2251. (3) Mail: 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. (4) Hand Delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone number is 202–366–9329. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\13AUN1.SGM 13AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 156 / Friday, August 13, 2010 / Notices section below for instructions on how to submit comments. The First Coast Guard District Bridge Office located at One South Street, Battery Park Building, New York, NY 10004, will maintain a printed copy of the FEIS available for inspection or copying between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions regarding this notice, call or e-mail Gary Kassof, Bridge Program Manager, First Coast Guard District, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 212–668–7165, e-mail gary.kassof@uscg.mil. If you have questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202–366– 9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES Public Participation Submitting Comments: If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice (USCG–2009– 0097) and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online, or by fax, mail or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an e-mail address, or a telephone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. All comments received will be posted, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov, click on the ‘‘submit a comment’’ box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the ‘‘Document Type’’ drop down menu select ‘‘Notices’’ and insert ‘‘USCG– 2009–0097’’ in the ‘‘Keyword’’ box. Click ‘‘Search’’ then click on the balloon shape in the ‘‘Actions’’ column. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 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. Viewing the Comments and the FEIS: To view the comments and the FEIS, go to https://www.regulations.gov, click on the ‘‘read comments’’ box, which will VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:35 Aug 12, 2010 Jkt 220001 then become highlighted in blue. In the ‘‘Keyword’’ box insert ‘‘USCG–2009– 0097’’ and click ‘‘Search.’’ Click the ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ in the ‘‘Actions’’ column. If you do not have access to the Internet, you may view the docket online by visiting 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. We have an agreement with the Department of Transportation to use the Docket Management Facility. 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, system of records notice regarding our public dockets in the January 17, 2008 issue of the Federal Register (73 FR 3316). Background and Purpose The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (Port Authority), a transportation and development agency for the Port of New York and New Jersey, has proposed replacement of the functionally and physically obsolete Goethals Bridge that carries I–278 vehicular traffic between Staten Island, NY, and Elizabeth, NJ. On May 28, 2009 (74 FR 25572), the USCG made available the Draft EIS (DEIS). Two formal public meetings were held, on July 8 and 9, 2009, to provide an opportunity for submittal of oral comments to the USCG; written comments were accepted by the USCG through July 28, 2009. Following the close of the public comment period in July 2009, the Port Authority, the project sponsor, chose the New Alignment South as its proposed alignment, and the USCG, the lead Federal agency for the NEPA process, has identified the New Alignment South as the Preferred Alternative for presentation and evaluation in the FEIS. The Preferred Alternative comprises a new cablestayed replacement bridge on an alignment south of the existing Goethals Bridge, and removal of the existing bridge following construction of the new bridge. The replacement bridge would comprise the following elements: Six 12-foot-wide travel lanes, three on each of two roadway decks (one roadway for eastbound traffic and one roadway for westbound traffic); a 12foot-wide outer shoulder and a 5-footwide inner shoulder on each roadway; a minimum 10-foot-wide sidewalk/ PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 49505 bikeway along the northern edge of the westbound roadway; and a 65-foot-wide central area to be maintained between the east- and westbound decks to accommodate the towers and support cables as well as to allow for the provision of mass transit service, should future conditions warrant inclusion of such service during the service life of the replacement bridge. Navigational clearance beneath the new bridge is proposed to be a minimum of 135 feet above mean high water (MHW) at the channel margins; similar to the current minimum vertical clearance of the existing bridge. The main piers are proposed to be constructed 900 feet apart, an increase from the existing horizontal separation of 672 feet; thereby moving all bridge structurerelated hazards further away from the 500-foot wide federally maintained navigation channel of the Arthur Kill. The elevation of the two bridge towers is proposed to be 272 feet above mean sea level (MSL), as compared to the 248 feet above MSL associated with the existing bridge’s truss superstructure. As a structure over navigable waters of the United States, any replacement bridge requires a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Bridge Permit pursuant to the General Bridge Act of 1946 (Title 33 U.S.C. 525–533). Additionally, the bridge permit would be the major federal action in this undertaking. The USCG, a component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), by virtue of its regulatory authority over bridges across navigable waters of the United States, is the lead Federal agency for review of potential effects on the human environment, including historic properties, of the Preferred Alternative, three alternative alignments for construction and operation of a replacement bridge, and the No Build alternative. The FEIS was prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). This notice is issued under authority of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(c)); the General Bridge Act of 1946 (Title 33 U.S.C. 525–533); and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (Section 102(2)(c)), as implemented by the Council on Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR parts 1500–1508), Department of Homeland Security Directive 023–01, and Coast Guard Commandant Instruction M16475.1D. Given the Findings of Adverse Effect on three historic properties (including the existing Goethals Bridge) and the ongoing development of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) as per Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act E:\FR\FM\13AUN1.SGM 13AUN1 49506 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 156 / Friday, August 13, 2010 / Notices (NHPA), as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.), this notice also serves as an instrument for integration of the Section 106 Consultation into the NEPA process, as required under 40 CFR 1505.25(a); as well as 36 CFR 800.2(a)(4), 800.3(b) and 800.8. An MOA for the Preferred Alternative will be executed in consultation with the New York and New Jersey State Historic Preservation Offices, and will be completed prior to the anticipated record of decision (ROD) at the culmination of the NEPA process. In accordance with the applicable regulations of the General Conformity Rule (pursuant to the Clean Air Act; 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. as amended) and given the findings that the estimated annual emission rates of two pollutants (i.e., CO and NOX) are predicted to exceed the General Conformity applicability thresholds during the GBR Project’s construction period, this notice also serves as the instrument to fulfill the 30-day public review requirements for the General Conformity Determination by the USCG. Absent new information coming to its attention prior to the conclusion of the 30-day period, the Coast Guard intends to complete its ROD and pursue the preferred alternative at that time. The ROD will identify the environmentallypreferred alternative for the proposed action and be announced in the Federal Register. Dated: August 3, 2010. Hala Elgaaly, Administrator, Bridge Program, United States Coast Guard. [FR Doc. 2010–19630 Filed 8–12–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency [Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA–1931– DR; Docket ID FEMA–2010–0002] Texas; Major Disaster and Related Determinations Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Notice. emcdonald on DSK2BSOYB1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: This is a notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the State of Texas (FEMA– 1931–DR), dated August 3, 2010, and related determinations. DATES: Effective Date: August 3, 2010. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Peggy Miller, Recovery Directorate, SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:35 Aug 12, 2010 Jkt 220001 Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646–3886. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that, in a letter dated August 3, 2010, the President issued a major disaster declaration under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. (the ‘‘Stafford Act’’), as follows: I have determined that the damage in certain areas of the State of Texas resulting from Hurricane Alex beginning on June 30, 2010, and continuing, is of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. (the ‘‘Stafford Act’’). Therefore, I declare that such a major disaster exists in the State of Texas. In order to provide Federal assistance, you are hereby authorized to allocate from funds available for these purposes such amounts as you find necessary for Federal disaster assistance and administrative expenses. You are authorized to provide Individual Assistance and Public Assistance in the designated areas and Hazard Mitigation throughout the State. Consistent with the requirement that Federal assistance is supplemental, any Federal funds provided under the Stafford Act for Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation, and Other Needs Assistance will be limited to 75 percent of the total eligible costs. Further, you are authorized to make changes to this declaration for the approved assistance to the extent allowable under the Stafford Act. The time period prescribed for the implementation of section 310(a), Priority to Certain Applications for Public Facility and Public Housing Assistance, 42 U.S.C. 5153, shall be for a period not to exceed six months after the date of this declaration. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hereby gives notice that pursuant to the authority vested in the Administrator, under Executive Order 12148, as amended, Bradley M. Harris, of FEMA is appointed to act as the Federal Coordinating Officer for this major disaster. The following areas of the State of Texas have been designated as adversely affected by this major disaster: Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Maverick, Starr, Val Verde, Webb, and Zapata Counties for Individual Assistance. Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Maverick, Starr, Webb, Willacy, and Zapata Counties for Public Assistance. All counties within the State of Texas are eligible to apply for assistance under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The following Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers (CFDA) are to be used for reporting and drawing funds: 97.030, Community Disaster Loans; 97.031, Cora PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Brown Fund; 97.032, Crisis Counseling; 97.033, Disaster Legal Services; 97.034, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA); 97.046, Fire Management Assistance Grant; 97.048, Disaster Housing Assistance to Individuals and Households in Presidentially Declared Disaster Areas; 97.049, Presidentially Declared Disaster Assistance— Disaster Housing Operations for Individuals and Households; 97.050, Presidentially Declared Disaster Assistance to Individuals and Households—Other Needs; 97.036, Disaster Grants—Public Assistance (Presidentially Declared Disasters); 97.039, Hazard Mitigation Grant. W. Craig Fugate, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency. [FR Doc. 2010–20007 Filed 8–12–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–23–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency [Docket ID FEMA–2010–0048] Recovery Policy, RP9525.16, ResearchRelated Equipment and Furnishings Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. AGENCY: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is accepting comments on Recovery Policy RP9525.16 Research-related Equipment and Furnishings. This is an existing policy that is scheduled for review to ensure that Recovery Directorate policies are consistent with current laws and regulations. This policy identifies the expenses associated with disasterdamaged research-related equipment and furnishings of eligible private nonprofit or public facilities that are eligible for reimbursement under the Public Assistance Program. DATES: Comments must be received by September 13, 2010. ADDRESSES: Comments must be identified by docket ID FEMA–2010– 0048 and may be submitted by one of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Please note that this proposed policy is not a rulemaking and the Federal Rulemaking Portal is being utilized only as a mechanism for receiving comments. Mail: Rules Docket Manager, Office of Chief Counsel, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Room 835, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472– 3100. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\13AUN1.SGM 13AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 156 (Friday, August 13, 2010)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49504-49506]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-19630]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Coast Guard

[Docket No. USCG-2009-0097]


Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Impact Statement 
for the Goethals Bridge Replacement Project

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard announces the availability of the Final 
Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed replacement by the Port 
Authority of New York and New Jersey of the 82-year old Goethals Bridge 
across the Arthur Kill between Staten Island, NY, and Elizabeth, NJ. 
The FEIS analyzes the potential for impact to the natural, human and 
cultural environment of the proposed Goethals Bridge Replacement 
Project.

DATES: The review period for the FEIS will close on September 13, 2010. 
Comments and related material must either be submitted to our online 
docket via https://www.regulations.gov on or before September 13, 2010 
or reach the Docket Management Facility by that date.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-
2009-0097 using any one of the following methods:
    (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
    (2) Fax: 202-493-2251.
    (3) Mail: 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.
    (4) Hand Delivery: Same as mail address above, between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The telephone 
number is 202-366-9329.
    To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. 
See the ``Public Participation and Request for Comments'' portion of 
the

[[Page 49505]]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on how to 
submit comments.
    The First Coast Guard District Bridge Office located at One South 
Street, Battery Park Building, New York, NY 10004, will maintain a 
printed copy of the FEIS available for inspection or copying between 9 
a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions regarding this 
notice, call or e-mail Gary Kassof, Bridge Program Manager, First Coast 
Guard District, U.S. Coast Guard; telephone 212-668-7165, e-mail 
gary.kassof@uscg.mil. If you have questions regarding viewing or 
submitting material to the docket, call Renee V. Wright, Program 
Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202-366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Public Participation

    Submitting Comments: If you submit a comment, please include the 
docket number for this notice (USCG-2009-0097) and provide a reason for 
each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and 
material online, or by fax, mail or hand delivery, but please use only 
one of these means. We recommend that you include your name and a 
mailing address, an e-mail address, or a telephone number in the body 
of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions 
regarding your submission. All comments received will be posted, 
without change, to https://www.regulations.gov and will include any 
personal information you have provided.
    To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov, 
click on the ``submit a comment'' box, which will then become 
highlighted in blue. In the ``Document Type'' drop down menu select 
``Notices'' and insert ``USCG-2009-0097'' in the ``Keyword'' box. Click 
``Search'' then click on the balloon shape in the ``Actions'' column. 
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.
    Viewing the Comments and the FEIS: To view the comments and the 
FEIS, go to https://www.regulations.gov, click on the ``read comments'' 
box, which will then become highlighted in blue. In the ``Keyword'' box 
insert ``USCG-2009-0097'' and click ``Search.'' Click the ``Open Docket 
Folder'' in the ``Actions'' column. If you do not have access to the 
Internet, you may view the docket online by visiting 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. We have an agreement with the 
Department of Transportation to use the Docket Management Facility.
    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, system of records notice regarding our public dockets in 
the January 17, 2008 issue of the Federal Register (73 FR 3316).

Background and Purpose

    The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (Port Authority), a 
transportation and development agency for the Port of New York and New 
Jersey, has proposed replacement of the functionally and physically 
obsolete Goethals Bridge that carries I-278 vehicular traffic between 
Staten Island, NY, and Elizabeth, NJ. On May 28, 2009 (74 FR 25572), 
the USCG made available the Draft EIS (DEIS). Two formal public 
meetings were held, on July 8 and 9, 2009, to provide an opportunity 
for submittal of oral comments to the USCG; written comments were 
accepted by the USCG through July 28, 2009.
    Following the close of the public comment period in July 2009, the 
Port Authority, the project sponsor, chose the New Alignment South as 
its proposed alignment, and the USCG, the lead Federal agency for the 
NEPA process, has identified the New Alignment South as the Preferred 
Alternative for presentation and evaluation in the FEIS. The Preferred 
Alternative comprises a new cable-stayed replacement bridge on an 
alignment south of the existing Goethals Bridge, and removal of the 
existing bridge following construction of the new bridge. The 
replacement bridge would comprise the following elements: Six 12-foot-
wide travel lanes, three on each of two roadway decks (one roadway for 
eastbound traffic and one roadway for westbound traffic); a 12-foot-
wide outer shoulder and a 5-foot-wide inner shoulder on each roadway; a 
minimum 10-foot-wide sidewalk/bikeway along the northern edge of the 
westbound roadway; and a 65-foot-wide central area to be maintained 
between the east- and westbound decks to accommodate the towers and 
support cables as well as to allow for the provision of mass transit 
service, should future conditions warrant inclusion of such service 
during the service life of the replacement bridge. Navigational 
clearance beneath the new bridge is proposed to be a minimum of 135 
feet above mean high water (MHW) at the channel margins; similar to the 
current minimum vertical clearance of the existing bridge. The main 
piers are proposed to be constructed 900 feet apart, an increase from 
the existing horizontal separation of 672 feet; thereby moving all 
bridge structure-related hazards further away from the 500-foot wide 
federally maintained navigation channel of the Arthur Kill. The 
elevation of the two bridge towers is proposed to be 272 feet above 
mean sea level (MSL), as compared to the 248 feet above MSL associated 
with the existing bridge's truss superstructure.
    As a structure over navigable waters of the United States, any 
replacement bridge requires a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Bridge Permit 
pursuant to the General Bridge Act of 1946 (Title 33 U.S.C. 525-533). 
Additionally, the bridge permit would be the major federal action in 
this undertaking. The USCG, a component of the Department of Homeland 
Security (DHS), by virtue of its regulatory authority over bridges 
across navigable waters of the United States, is the lead Federal 
agency for review of potential effects on the human environment, 
including historic properties, of the Preferred Alternative, three 
alternative alignments for construction and operation of a replacement 
bridge, and the No Build alternative. The FEIS was prepared pursuant to 
the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).
    This notice is issued under authority of the Administrative 
Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(c)); the General Bridge Act of 1946 (Title 
33 U.S.C. 525-533); and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 
1969 (Section 102(2)(c)), as implemented by the Council on 
Environmental Quality regulations (40 CFR parts 1500-1508), Department 
of Homeland Security Directive 023-01, and Coast Guard Commandant 
Instruction M16475.1D.
    Given the Findings of Adverse Effect on three historic properties 
(including the existing Goethals Bridge) and the ongoing development of 
a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) as per Section 106 of the National 
Historic Preservation Act

[[Page 49506]]

(NHPA), as amended (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.), this notice also serves as 
an instrument for integration of the Section 106 Consultation into the 
NEPA process, as required under 40 CFR 1505.25(a); as well as 36 CFR 
800.2(a)(4), 800.3(b) and 800.8. An MOA for the Preferred Alternative 
will be executed in consultation with the New York and New Jersey State 
Historic Preservation Offices, and will be completed prior to the 
anticipated record of decision (ROD) at the culmination of the NEPA 
process.
    In accordance with the applicable regulations of the General 
Conformity Rule (pursuant to the Clean Air Act; 42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq. 
as amended) and given the findings that the estimated annual emission 
rates of two pollutants (i.e., CO and NOX) are predicted to 
exceed the General Conformity applicability thresholds during the GBR 
Project's construction period, this notice also serves as the 
instrument to fulfill the 30-day public review requirements for the 
General Conformity Determination by the USCG.
    Absent new information coming to its attention prior to the 
conclusion of the 30-day period, the Coast Guard intends to complete 
its ROD and pursue the preferred alternative at that time. The ROD will 
identify the environmentally-preferred alternative for the proposed 
action and be announced in the Federal Register.

    Dated: August 3, 2010.
Hala Elgaaly,
Administrator, Bridge Program, United States Coast Guard.
[FR Doc. 2010-19630 Filed 8-12-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P
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