Drawbridge Operation Regulation; New River, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 65545-65548 [2016-22915]
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 185 / Friday, September 23, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
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respect to rules that are subject to the
notice and comment requirements of
section 553(b) of the Administrative
Procedure Act and that are likely to
have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities.
Unless an agency determines that a final
rule is not likely to have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities, section 604 of
the Regulatory Flexibility Act requires
that the agency present a final
regulatory flexibility analysis at the time
of the publication of the final rule
describing the impact of the rule on
small entities and steps taken to
minimize the impact. Small entities
include small businesses, organizations
and governmental jurisdictions.
For purposes of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act requirements with
respect to this final rule, PBGC
considers a small entity to be a plan
with fewer than 100 participants. This
is substantially the same criterion PBGC
uses in other regulations 6 and is
consistent with certain requirements in
title I of ERISA 7 and the Internal
Revenue Code,8 as well as the definition
of a small entity that the Department of
Labor (DOL) has used for purposes of
the Regulatory Flexibility Act.9 Using
this proposed definition, about 64
percent (16,700 of 26,100) of plans
covered by title IV of ERISA in 2010
were small plans.10
Further, while some large employers
may have small plans, in general most
small plans are maintained by small
employers. Thus, PBGC believes that
assessing the impact of the final rule on
small plans is an appropriate substitute
for evaluating the effect on small
entities. The definition of small entity
considered appropriate for this purpose
differs, however, from a definition of
small business based on size standards
promulgated by the Small Business
Administration (13 CFR 121.201)
pursuant to the Small Business Act.
PBGC therefore requested comments on
the appropriateness of the size standard
used in evaluating the impact of the
6 See e.g., special rules for small plans under part
4007 (Payment of Premiums).
7 See, e.g., ERISA section 104(a)(2), which permits
the Secretary of Labor to prescribe simplified
annual reports for pension plans that cover fewer
than 100 participants.
8 See, e.g., Code section 430(g)(2)(B), which
permits plans with 100 or fewer participants to use
valuation dates other than the first day of the plan
year.
9 See, e.g., DOL’s final rule on Prohibited
Transaction Exemption Procedures, 76 FR 66637,
66644 (Oct. 27, 2011).
10 See PBGC 2010 pension insurance data table
S–31, https://www.pbgc.gov/Documents/pensioninsurance-data-tables-2010.pdf.
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proposed rule on small entities. PBGC
received no comments on this point.
PBGC certifies under section 605(b) of
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C.
601 et seq.) that the amendments in this
rule would not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities. Accordingly,
as provided in section 605 of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601
et seq.), sections 603 and 604 do not
apply. This certification is based on the
fact that small plans generally pay small
premiums and thus small penalties for
late payment of premiums. The average
late premium penalty paid by a small
plan for the 2014 plan year was about
$160. This proposed rule would cut
penalty payments in half, and thus
create an average annual net economic
benefit for each small plan of about $80.
This is not a significant impact.
List of Subjects in 29 CFR Part 4007
Employee benefit plans, Penalties,
Pension insurance, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
In consideration of the foregoing,
PBGC amends 29 CFR part 4007 as
follows:
65545
paragraph (a)(2) of this section if the
criteria in paragraphs (h)(1) and (2) of
this section are met.
(1) For each plan year within the last
five plan years of coverage preceding
the plan year for which the penalty rate
is being determined,—
(i) Any required premium filing for
the plan has been made; and
(ii) PBGC has not required payment of
a penalty for the plan under this section.
(2) For the plan year for which the
penalty rate is being determined, the
total amount of premium is paid no later
than 30 days after PBGC issues the first
written notice as described in paragraph
(a)(1) of this section.
Issued in Washington, DC, by
W. Thomas Reeder,
Director, Pension Benefit Guaranty
Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2016–22901 Filed 9–22–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7709–02–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Coast Guard
PART 4007—PAYMENT OF PREMIUMS
33 CFR Part 117
1. The authority citation for part
4007 continues to read as follows:
[Docket No. USCG–2015–0271]
■
Authority: 29 U.S.C. 1302(b)(3), 1303(A),
1306, 1307.
2. In § 4007.8:
a. Paragraph (a) introductory text is
amended by removing the words
‘‘paragraphs (b) through (g)’’ and adding
in their place the words ‘‘paragraphs (b)
through (h)’’; and by removing the
words ‘‘and is subject to a floor of $25
(or, if less, the amount of the unpaid
premium)’’;
■ b. Paragraph (a)(1) is amended by
removing the words ‘‘a written notice’’
and adding in their place the words ‘‘the
first written notice’’; by removing the
words ‘‘1 percent’’ and adding in their
place the words ‘‘1⁄2 percent’’; and by
removing the words ‘‘50 percent’’ and
adding in their place the words ‘‘25
percent’’.
■ c. Paragraph (a)(2) is amended by
removing the words ‘‘5 percent’’ and
adding in their place the words ‘‘21⁄2
percent’’; and by removing the words
‘‘100 percent’’ and adding in their place
the words ‘‘50 percent’’.
■ d. Paragraph (h) is added.
The addition reads as follows:
■
■
§ 4007.8
Late payment penalty charges.
*
*
*
*
*
(h) Demonstrated compliance. PBGC
will waive 80 percent of the premium
payment penalty assessed under
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RIN 1625–AA09
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; New
River, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Coast Guard, DHS.
Final rule.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Coast Guard is changing
the operating schedule that governs the
Florida East Coast Railway (FEC)
Railroad Bridge across the New River,
mile 2.5, at Fort Lauderdale, FL. This
rule implements requirements for the
operator to ensure that adequate notice
of bridge closure times are available to
the waterway traffic. It also changes the
schedule from requiring openings ‘‘on
demand’’ to an operating regulation
requiring the bridge to be open no fewer
than 60 minutes in every 2 hour period.
Changing the bridge operating schedule
will allow the bridge owner to operate
the Bridge remotely with assistance
from the onsite bridge tender.
DATES: This rule is effective October 24,
2016.
ADDRESSES: To view documents
mentioned in this preamble as being
available in the docket, go to https://
www.regulations.gov, type USCG–2015–
0271 in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click
‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on Open Docket
Folder on the line associated with this
rulemaking.
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 185 / Friday, September 23, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
If
you have questions on this rule, call or
email Mr. Rod Elkins with the Coast
Guard; telephone 305–415–6989, email
Rodney.J.Elkins@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
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Pub. L. Public Law
§ Section
U.S.C. United States Code
II. Background Information and
Regulatory History
From May 18 through October 16,
2015, a test deviation assessing the
viability of the schedule implemented
in this rule was in effect for the New
River Bridge (80 FR 28184). The
comment period ended on August 17,
2015. There were eight comments
received in response to the test
deviation. The comments from the test
deviation were addressed in the notice
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
On November 3, 2015, we published
a NPRM entitled Drawbridge Operation
Regulation; New River, Fort Lauderdale,
FL in the Federal Register (80 FR
67677). We received 234 submissions on
the proposed rule.
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III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule
The Coast Guard is issuing this rule
under the authority of 33 U.S.C. 499.
The FEC Railroad Bridge across the
New River, mile 2.5, at Fort Lauderdale,
FL is a single leaf bascule bridge. It has
a vertical clearance of 4 feet at mean
high water in the closed position.
Presently, in accordance with 33 CFR
117.5, the FEC Railroad Bridge is
required to open on signal for the
passage of vessels. Traffic on the
waterway includes both commercial and
recreational vessels.
Prior to implementing a test deviation
on May 18, 2015, the Bridge operated
without a tender or monitor. An
automated system closed the Bridge
when a train approached and reopened
the Bridge when a train cleared. The
Coast Guard received multiple
complaints from mariners because there
was no means of obtaining notice of
bridge closure times or potential closure
duration. The new regulation balances
the reasonable needs of waterway traffic
on the New River with train traffic
moving through condensed population
areas in Ft. Lauderdale.
This regulation was developed to
accommodate the unique needs of rail
transportation in South Florida while
balancing the reasonable needs of
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maritime transportation on the New
River. Train schedules at the crossings
cannot be precisely scheduled due to
unpredictable delays caused by train car
loading and vehicular traffic crossing
the track. Also, train bridges must be in
the down position well in advance of
the train’s arrival to ensure that it can
safely cross the bridge or stop if there
are problems with the Bridge.
IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes
and the Final Rule
Two hundred thirty-four submissions
were received resulting in a total of 319
comments concerning the proposed
rule. The total number of comments
exceeds the number of submissions
because some submissions expressed
more than one point in their comment.
Of these comments, 39 were in favor of
the proposed rule. Forty-nine of the
comments expressed opposition to a
future rail project, which is not the
focus of this regulation, and were not
relevant.
Sixty-six comments expressed
opposition to the regulation of Bridges
other than the Florida East Coast
Railway (FEC) Railroad Bridge. This
regulation only pertains to the FEC
Railroad Bridge over the New River in
Fort Lauderdale.
Eleven comments opposed the
proposed modification and
recommended the Bridge owner provide
a train schedule with specified opening
times. In respect to a schedule the onsite bridge tender will provide a 12-hour
forecast schedule to waterway users
upon request. However, scheduling
bridge openings is not viable because
trains typically experience loading and
traffic delays that interfere with the
operator’s ability to precisely identify an
exact time when the train will cross the
waterway.
Eighteen comments stated the
modification would create unsafe vessel
congestion near the Bridge. This
regulation allows mariners to
communicate with a bridge tender and
receive updates on the Bridge’s status;
thereby relieving congestion that exists
with the current schedule.
Sixty-four comments opposed the
Bridge being closed 50 percent of the
time or 60 minutes at a time. These
comments also recommended various
minimum time limits for bridge
openings. This regulation does not
require closing the Bridge 50 percent of
the time or for 60 minutes at one time.
It sets a maximum time for the Bridge’s
closure within a two hour period. This
regulation authorizes a total combined
closure time for any given 120 minute
period that will not exceed 60 minutes.
Moreover, if a train is not crossing or
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approaching, the Bridge will remain
open. Based on input from the bridge
owner and input gathered at Coast
Guard public meetings, the Coast Guard
determined that it is not a viable option
to require minimum time limits for the
bridge to be open at one time because
trains would have considerable
difficulty coordinating passage across
the bridge with this schedule. Therefore,
this regulation does not adopt
alternatives to set minimum time limits
for Bridge openings. Vessels can transit
at all times that trains are not crossing.
Thirteen comments expressed
concern that the modification would
hinder emergency vessels from
responding. This regulation requires the
Bridge to open immediately for
emergency vessels to pass.
Twenty-six comments expressed
safety concerns for vehicle traffic in the
area and emergency vehicle response
times being delayed. This regulation
seeks to balance the needs of rail and
maritime navigation by allowing the
Bridge to close for the passage of trains.
By doing so, it seeks to ensure passing
trains are not delayed by the Bridge
schedule, therefore, it should alleviate
surrounding vehicular traffic.
There were 26 comments that
addressed concern that the modification
would decrease property values and
hurt business in the area. The Coast
Guard does not have evidence that this
regulation will result in a decrease in
property values or that it will adversely
affect businesses in the area.
Five commenters requested bridge
modifications that would replace and
raise the vertical height of the bridge,
and to require mooring stations for
waiting vessels, which is outside of the
scope of this rule because this rule only
amends the opening schedule for the
Bridge by creating protocols that will
make it easier for vessel traffic to
schedule transits during times the
Bridge is open.
Two of the 234 commenters requested
a public meeting. A public meeting was
held on 12 November 2014 (USCG–
2014–0937), and the proposed schedule
modification was developed from the
input received from the public meeting.
The Coast Guard also received
complaints about the high noise levels
of the horn blast prior to a bridge
closure. The prescribed sound signal
has typically been required on all
unmanned automated rail road bridges.
We are removing the requirement for the
horn blast from the regulation since the
bridge is no longer unmanned. Other
than the removal of horn blasts, 33 CFR
117.313 is modified as was proposed in
the NPRM.
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 185 / Friday, September 23, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
V. Regulatory Analyses
We developed this rule after
considering numerous statutes and
executive orders (E.O.s) related to
rulemaking. Below we summarize our
analyses based on a number of these
statutes and E.O.s, and we discuss First
Amendment rights of protesters.
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
E.O.s 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. E.O. 13563 emphasizes the
importance of quantifying both costs
and benefits, of reducing costs, of
harmonizing rules, and of promoting
flexibility. This rule has not been
designated a ‘‘significant regulatory
action,’’ under E.O. 12866. Accordingly,
it has not been reviewed by the Office
of Management and Budget.
This regulatory action determination
is made because vessels can still transit
the waterway at times identified by the
tender 12 hours in advance of the
scheduled transit. Also, vessels can
transit at all times that trains are not
crossing or if they do not require a
bridge opening to transit.
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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 received zero
comments from the Small Business
Administration on this rule. The Coast
Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C. 605(b)
that this rule will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities.
This rule may affect the following
entities, some of which might be small
entities: The owners or operators of
vessels needing to transit the bridge
when the Bridge is closed for train
crossings. This change in operating
schedule will still meet the reasonable
needs of navigation while taking into
account other modes of transportation.
Vessels transiting the New River at mile
2.5 may do so at times scheduled up to
12 hours prior to transit. Also, vessels
can transit at all times that trains are not
crossing.
While some owners or operators of
vessels intending to transit the bridge
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may be small entities, for the reasons
stated in section V.A above, this rule
will not have a significant economic
impact on any vessel owner or operator.
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 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.
Small businesses may send comments
on the actions of Federal employees
who enforce, or otherwise determine
compliance with, Federal regulations to
the Small Business and Agriculture
Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman
and the Regional Small Business
Regulatory Fairness Boards. The
Ombudsman evaluates these actions
annually and rates each agency’s
responsiveness to small business. If you
wish to comment on actions by
employees of the Coast Guard, call 1–
888–REG–FAIR (1–888–734–3247). The
Coast Guard will not retaliate against
small entities that question or complain
about this rule or any policy or action
of the Coast Guard.
C. Collection of Information
This rule calls 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 rule under that Order and
have determined that it is consistent
with the fundamental federalism
principles and preemption requirements
described in E.O. 13132.
Also, this rule does not have tribal
implications under Executive Order
13175, Consultation and Coordination
with Indian Tribal Governments,
because it does 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 Federal
Government and Indian tribes.
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65547
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 rule
will not result in such an expenditure,
we do discuss the effects of this rule
elsewhere in this preamble.
F. Environment
We have analyzed this 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 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 rule
simply promulgates the operating
regulations or procedures for
drawbridges. This action is categorically
excluded from further review, 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 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.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 117
Bridges.
For the reasons discussed in the
preamble, the Coast Guard amends 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;
Department of Homeland Security Delegation
No. 0170.1.
2. In § 117.313, revise paragraph (c),
add reserved paragraph (d), and add
paragraph (e) to read as follows:
■
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§ 117.313
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 185 / Friday, September 23, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
New River.
*
*
*
*
(c) The following requirements apply
to the Florida East Coast Railway
Railroad Bridge across the New River,
mile 2.5, at Fort Lauderdale, FL:
(1) The bridge shall be constantly
tended.
(2) The bridge tender will utilize a
VHF–FM radio to communicate on
channels 9 and 16 and may be contacted
by telephone at 305–889–5572.
(3) Signs will be posted displaying
VHF radio contact information and
telephone numbers for the bridge tender
and dispatch. A countdown clock giving
notice of time remaining before bridge
closure shall remain at the bridge site
and must be visible for maritime traffic.
(4) A bridge log will be maintained
including, at a minimum, bridge
opening and closing times.
(5) When the draw is in the fully open
position, green lights will be displayed
to indicate that vessels may pass.
(6) When a train approaches, the
lights go to flashing red then the draw
lowers and locks.
(7) After the train has cleared the
bridge, the draw opens and the lights
return to green.
(8) The bridge shall not be closed
more than 60 minutes combined for any
120 minute time period beginning at
12:01 a.m. each day.
(9) The bridge shall remain open to
maritime traffic when trains are not
crossing.
(d) [Reserved]
(e) The draw of the Marshal (Seventh
Avenue) bridge, mile 2.7 at Fort
Lauderdale shall open on signal; except
that, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4:30
p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays, the draw need
not open. Public vessels of the United
States, tugs with tows, and vessels in
distress shall be passed at any time.
Dated: August 22, 2016.
S.A. Buschman,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander,
Seventh Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 2016–22915 Filed 9–22–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110–04–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
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Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[Docket No. USCG–2016–0181]
Drawbridge Operation Regulation;
North Landing River, Chesapeake, VA
AGENCY:
Coast Guard, DHS.
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Notice of temporary deviation
from drawbridge regulation;
modification.
ACTION:
*
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The Coast Guard has modified
a temporary deviation from the
operating schedule that governs the
S165 (North Landing Road) Bridge
across the North Landing River, mile
20.2, at Chesapeake, VA. This modified
deviation is necessary to perform
emergency bridge repairs and provide
for safe navigation. This modified
deviation allows the bridge to remain in
the closed-to-navigation position.
DATES: This deviation is effective from
6 p.m. on September 30, 2016, through
4 p.m. on October 14, 2016.
ADDRESSES: The docket for this
deviation, [USCG–2016–0181] is
available at https://www.regulations.gov.
Type the docket number in the
‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH’’.
Click on Open Docket Folder on the line
associated with this deviation.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If
you have questions on this temporary
deviation, call or email Mr. Hal R. Pitts,
Bridge Administration Branch Fifth
District, Coast Guard, telephone 757–
398–6222, email Hal.R.Pitts@uscg.mil.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March
11, 2016, the Coast Guard published a
temporary deviation entitled
‘‘Drawbridge Operation Regulation;
North Landing River, Chesapeake, VA’’
in the Federal Register (81 FR 12824);
on April 8, 2016, the Coast Guard
published a modified temporary
deviation entitled ‘‘Drawbridge
Operation Regulation; North Landing
River, Chesapeake, VA’’ in the Federal
Register (81 FR 20529); and on June 29,
2016, the Coast Guard published a
modified temporary deviation entitled
‘‘Drawbridge Operation Regulation;
North Landing River, Chesapeake, VA’’
in the Federal Register (81 FR 42248).
These documents were necessary to
authorize a temporary deviation from
the operating regulations to perform
repairs to the south swing span of the
bridge due to damage sustained as a
result of a vessel allision with the bridge
that occurred on March 1, 2016. The
United States Army Corps of Engineers,
Norfolk District Office, who owns and
operates the S165 (North Landing Road)
Bridge, has requested a modified
temporary deviation from the current
operating regulations to perform repairs
to the south swing span of the bridge,
following receipt of replacement parts
scheduled to arrive in the first week of
October 2016. The modified temporary
deviation request is necessary to receive
the replacement parts in the first week
SUMMARY:
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of October 2016 and allow for sufficient
time to complete repairs to the bridge.
The current operating scheduled is set
out in 33 CFR 117.1021. Under this
modified temporary deviation, the north
span of the bridge will open-tonavigation on the hour and half hour,
upon request, from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and
on demand from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. The
north and south spans of the bridge will
open to navigation concurrently, with
the south span only opening partially
due to damage, upon request, for: (1)
Scheduled openings at 9:30 a.m. for
vessels transiting southeast, (2) 10:30
a.m. for vessels transiting northwest,
and (3) at noon and 2 p.m. for two-way
vessel traffic through the bridge,
Monday through Friday, from Friday,
September 30, 2016, through Monday,
October 10, 2016. The north and south
spans of the bridge will open to
navigation concurrently, with the south
span only opening partially due to
damage, upon request, for: (1)
Scheduled openings at 9:30 a.m. for
vessels transiting southeast and (2)
10:30 a.m. for vessels transiting
northwest, Saturday and Sunday, from
Saturday, October 1, 2016, through
Sunday, October 9, 2016. The north and
south spans of the bridge will open to
navigation concurrently, with the south
span only opening partially due to
damage, for additional on demand
openings from October 4, 2016, through
October 10, 2016, if 48 hours notice is
given. The south span of the bridge will
be closed-to-navigation during bridge
repair from 9 a.m., October 11, 2016,
through 4 p.m., October 14, 2016. The
horizontal clearance of the bridge with
the south span closed-to-navigation is
38 feet and the horizontal clearance of
the bridge with the south span partially
open-to-navigation is 70 feet. The
modified temporary deviation is
necessary to relieve vessel congestion
and provide for safe navigation on the
waterway. The bridge is a double swing
draw bridge and has a vertical clearance
in the closed position of 6 feet above
mean high water.
The North Landing River is used by
a variety of vessels including small U.
S. government and public vessels, small
commercial vessels, tug and barge, and
recreational vessels. The Coast Guard
has carefully considered the nature and
volume of vessel traffic on the waterway
in publishing this temporary deviation.
During the closure times there will be
limited opportunity for vessels which
are able to safely pass through the
bridge in the closed position to do so.
Vessels able to safely pass through the
bridge in the closed position may do so,
after receiving confirmation from the
bridge tender that it is safe to transit
E:\FR\FM\23SER1.SGM
23SER1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 185 (Friday, September 23, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65545-65548]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-22915]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Coast Guard
33 CFR Part 117
[Docket No. USCG-2015-0271]
RIN 1625-AA09
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; New River, Fort Lauderdale, FL
AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is changing the operating schedule that
governs the Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) Railroad Bridge across the
New River, mile 2.5, at Fort Lauderdale, FL. This rule implements
requirements for the operator to ensure that adequate notice of bridge
closure times are available to the waterway traffic. It also changes
the schedule from requiring openings ``on demand'' to an operating
regulation requiring the bridge to be open no fewer than 60 minutes in
every 2 hour period. Changing the bridge operating schedule will allow
the bridge owner to operate the Bridge remotely with assistance from
the onsite bridge tender.
DATES: This rule is effective October 24, 2016.
ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being
available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type USCG-
2015-0271 in the ``SEARCH'' box and click ``SEARCH.'' Click on Open
Docket Folder on the line associated with this rulemaking.
[[Page 65546]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you have questions on this rule,
call or email Mr. Rod Elkins with the Coast Guard; telephone 305-415-
6989, email Rodney.J.Elkins@uscg.mil.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Table of Abbreviations
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
DHS Department of Homeland Security
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
Pub. L. Public Law
Sec. Section
U.S.C. United States Code
II. Background Information and Regulatory History
From May 18 through October 16, 2015, a test deviation assessing
the viability of the schedule implemented in this rule was in effect
for the New River Bridge (80 FR 28184). The comment period ended on
August 17, 2015. There were eight comments received in response to the
test deviation. The comments from the test deviation were addressed in
the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
On November 3, 2015, we published a NPRM entitled Drawbridge
Operation Regulation; New River, Fort Lauderdale, FL in the Federal
Register (80 FR 67677). We received 234 submissions on the proposed
rule.
III. Legal Authority and Need for Rule
The Coast Guard is issuing this rule under the authority of 33
U.S.C. 499.
The FEC Railroad Bridge across the New River, mile 2.5, at Fort
Lauderdale, FL is a single leaf bascule bridge. It has a vertical
clearance of 4 feet at mean high water in the closed position.
Presently, in accordance with 33 CFR 117.5, the FEC Railroad Bridge is
required to open on signal for the passage of vessels. Traffic on the
waterway includes both commercial and recreational vessels.
Prior to implementing a test deviation on May 18, 2015, the Bridge
operated without a tender or monitor. An automated system closed the
Bridge when a train approached and reopened the Bridge when a train
cleared. The Coast Guard received multiple complaints from mariners
because there was no means of obtaining notice of bridge closure times
or potential closure duration. The new regulation balances the
reasonable needs of waterway traffic on the New River with train
traffic moving through condensed population areas in Ft. Lauderdale.
This regulation was developed to accommodate the unique needs of
rail transportation in South Florida while balancing the reasonable
needs of maritime transportation on the New River. Train schedules at
the crossings cannot be precisely scheduled due to unpredictable delays
caused by train car loading and vehicular traffic crossing the track.
Also, train bridges must be in the down position well in advance of the
train's arrival to ensure that it can safely cross the bridge or stop
if there are problems with the Bridge.
IV. Discussion of Comments, Changes and the Final Rule
Two hundred thirty-four submissions were received resulting in a
total of 319 comments concerning the proposed rule. The total number of
comments exceeds the number of submissions because some submissions
expressed more than one point in their comment. Of these comments, 39
were in favor of the proposed rule. Forty-nine of the comments
expressed opposition to a future rail project, which is not the focus
of this regulation, and were not relevant.
Sixty-six comments expressed opposition to the regulation of
Bridges other than the Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) Railroad
Bridge. This regulation only pertains to the FEC Railroad Bridge over
the New River in Fort Lauderdale.
Eleven comments opposed the proposed modification and recommended
the Bridge owner provide a train schedule with specified opening times.
In respect to a schedule the on-site bridge tender will provide a 12-
hour forecast schedule to waterway users upon request. However,
scheduling bridge openings is not viable because trains typically
experience loading and traffic delays that interfere with the
operator's ability to precisely identify an exact time when the train
will cross the waterway.
Eighteen comments stated the modification would create unsafe
vessel congestion near the Bridge. This regulation allows mariners to
communicate with a bridge tender and receive updates on the Bridge's
status; thereby relieving congestion that exists with the current
schedule.
Sixty-four comments opposed the Bridge being closed 50 percent of
the time or 60 minutes at a time. These comments also recommended
various minimum time limits for bridge openings. This regulation does
not require closing the Bridge 50 percent of the time or for 60 minutes
at one time. It sets a maximum time for the Bridge's closure within a
two hour period. This regulation authorizes a total combined closure
time for any given 120 minute period that will not exceed 60 minutes.
Moreover, if a train is not crossing or approaching, the Bridge will
remain open. Based on input from the bridge owner and input gathered at
Coast Guard public meetings, the Coast Guard determined that it is not
a viable option to require minimum time limits for the bridge to be
open at one time because trains would have considerable difficulty
coordinating passage across the bridge with this schedule. Therefore,
this regulation does not adopt alternatives to set minimum time limits
for Bridge openings. Vessels can transit at all times that trains are
not crossing.
Thirteen comments expressed concern that the modification would
hinder emergency vessels from responding. This regulation requires the
Bridge to open immediately for emergency vessels to pass.
Twenty-six comments expressed safety concerns for vehicle traffic
in the area and emergency vehicle response times being delayed. This
regulation seeks to balance the needs of rail and maritime navigation
by allowing the Bridge to close for the passage of trains. By doing so,
it seeks to ensure passing trains are not delayed by the Bridge
schedule, therefore, it should alleviate surrounding vehicular traffic.
There were 26 comments that addressed concern that the modification
would decrease property values and hurt business in the area. The Coast
Guard does not have evidence that this regulation will result in a
decrease in property values or that it will adversely affect businesses
in the area.
Five commenters requested bridge modifications that would replace
and raise the vertical height of the bridge, and to require mooring
stations for waiting vessels, which is outside of the scope of this
rule because this rule only amends the opening schedule for the Bridge
by creating protocols that will make it easier for vessel traffic to
schedule transits during times the Bridge is open.
Two of the 234 commenters requested a public meeting. A public
meeting was held on 12 November 2014 (USCG-2014-0937), and the proposed
schedule modification was developed from the input received from the
public meeting.
The Coast Guard also received complaints about the high noise
levels of the horn blast prior to a bridge closure. The prescribed
sound signal has typically been required on all unmanned automated rail
road bridges. We are removing the requirement for the horn blast from
the regulation since the bridge is no longer unmanned. Other than the
removal of horn blasts, 33 CFR 117.313 is modified as was proposed in
the NPRM.
[[Page 65547]]
V. Regulatory Analyses
We developed this rule after considering numerous statutes and
executive orders (E.O.s) related to rulemaking. Below we summarize our
analyses based on a number of these statutes and E.O.s, and we discuss
First Amendment rights of protesters.
A. Regulatory Planning and Review
E.O.s 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.
E.O. 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and
benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting
flexibility. This rule has not been designated a ``significant
regulatory action,'' under E.O. 12866. Accordingly, it has not been
reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget.
This regulatory action determination is made because vessels can
still transit the waterway at times identified by the tender 12 hours
in advance of the scheduled transit. Also, vessels can transit at all
times that trains are not crossing or if they do not require a bridge
opening to transit.
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 received zero comments from the Small Business
Administration on this rule. The Coast Guard certifies under 5 U.S.C.
605(b) that this rule will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
This rule may affect the following entities, some of which might be
small entities: The owners or operators of vessels needing to transit
the bridge when the Bridge is closed for train crossings. This change
in operating schedule will still meet the reasonable needs of
navigation while taking into account other modes of transportation.
Vessels transiting the New River at mile 2.5 may do so at times
scheduled up to 12 hours prior to transit. Also, vessels can transit at
all times that trains are not crossing.
While some owners or operators of vessels intending to transit the
bridge may be small entities, for the reasons stated in section V.A
above, this rule will not have a significant economic impact on any
vessel owner or operator.
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 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.
Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal
employees who enforce, or otherwise determine compliance with, Federal
regulations to the Small Business and Agriculture Regulatory
Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small Business Regulatory
Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and
rates each agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to
comment on actions by employees of the Coast Guard, call 1-888-REG-FAIR
(1-888-734-3247). The Coast Guard will not retaliate against small
entities that question or complain about this rule or any policy or
action of the Coast Guard.
C. Collection of Information
This rule calls 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 rule under that Order and have
determined that it is consistent with the fundamental federalism
principles and preemption requirements described in E.O. 13132.
Also, this rule does not have tribal implications under Executive
Order 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal
Governments, because it does 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 Federal Government and Indian tribes.
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 rule will not result in
such an expenditure, we do discuss the effects of this rule elsewhere
in this preamble.
F. Environment
We have analyzed this 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
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 rule simply promulgates the operating regulations or
procedures for drawbridges. This action is categorically excluded from
further review, 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 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.
List of Subjects in 33 CFR Part 117
Bridges.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Coast Guard amends
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. 117.313, revise paragraph (c), add reserved paragraph (d),
and add paragraph (e) to read as follows:
[[Page 65548]]
Sec. 117.313 New River.
* * * * *
(c) The following requirements apply to the Florida East Coast
Railway Railroad Bridge across the New River, mile 2.5, at Fort
Lauderdale, FL:
(1) The bridge shall be constantly tended.
(2) The bridge tender will utilize a VHF-FM radio to communicate on
channels 9 and 16 and may be contacted by telephone at 305-889-5572.
(3) Signs will be posted displaying VHF radio contact information
and telephone numbers for the bridge tender and dispatch. A countdown
clock giving notice of time remaining before bridge closure shall
remain at the bridge site and must be visible for maritime traffic.
(4) A bridge log will be maintained including, at a minimum, bridge
opening and closing times.
(5) When the draw is in the fully open position, green lights will
be displayed to indicate that vessels may pass.
(6) When a train approaches, the lights go to flashing red then the
draw lowers and locks.
(7) After the train has cleared the bridge, the draw opens and the
lights return to green.
(8) The bridge shall not be closed more than 60 minutes combined
for any 120 minute time period beginning at 12:01 a.m. each day.
(9) The bridge shall remain open to maritime traffic when trains
are not crossing.
(d) [Reserved]
(e) The draw of the Marshal (Seventh Avenue) bridge, mile 2.7 at
Fort Lauderdale shall open on signal; except that, from 7:30 a.m. to 9
a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays, the draw need not open. Public vessels of the United States,
tugs with tows, and vessels in distress shall be passed at any time.
Dated: August 22, 2016.
S.A. Buschman,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Seventh Coast Guard
District.
[FR Doc. 2016-22915 Filed 9-22-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9110-04-P