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Proposed Monkey Island Bridge Project; Calcasieu Pass at Cameron, Cameron Parish, LA

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 [Federal Register: August 31, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 170)]
[Notices]
[Page 53071-53072]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr31au00-129]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

[CGD08-00-023]


Proposed Monkey Island Bridge Project; Calcasieu Pass at Cameron,
Cameron Parish, LA

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of public hearing; request for comments

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[[Page 53072]]

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard jointly with the State of Louisiana, Louisiana
Department of Transportation and Development (LDOTD) will hold a public
hearing to receive comments on an application by LDOTD for Coast Guard
approval of location and plans for a proposed bridge. The proposed
location of the bridge is across Calcasieu Pass, mile 2.2, on SR 1141
between Cameron and Monkey Island, Cameron Parish, Louisiana. The
hearing will allow interested persons to present comments and
information concerning the impact of the proposed bridge project on
navigation and the human environment.

DATES: This hearing will be held on September 28, 2000, commencing at 6
p.m. Comments must be received by October 13, 2000. Requests to speak
and requests for services must be received by September 21, 2000.

ADDRESSES: The hearing will be held at the Cameron Court House, 119
Smith Circle, Cameron, Louisiana 70631. Written comments may be
submitted to, and will be available for examination between 6:30 a.m.
and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays at the
office of the Eighth Coast Guard District, Bridge Administration
Branch, Commander (ob), 501 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana
70130-3396. Please submit all comments in an unbound format, no larger
than 8  x  11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing.
Persons wanting acknowledgement of receipt of comments should enclose a
stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope.
    Requests to speak at the hearing may be submitted to Mr. David
Frank at the phone number listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David Frank, Project Officer,
Bridge Administration Branch, telephone (504) 589-2965.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The proposed project is to construct a new bridge to replace the
existing ferry crossing from Cameron to Monkey Island. The bridge will
be constructed on the same alignment as the ferry crossing. The
proposed bridge will be a two-lane fixed bridge, approximately 30 feet
(9.14 m) wide and 990 feet (301.75 m) long. The bridge would be
constructed so as to allow for 14 feet (4.27 m) of vertical clearance
above mean high water, elevation 1.5 feet (0.46 m) and a horizontal
clearance of 80 feet (24.38 m). The bridge will be skewed to the
channel at an angle of 60 deg.. The distance between the piers is 110
feet (33.53 m), but the horizontal clearance perpendicular to the
channel will be 80 feet. The center span of the bridge will be
constructed as a removable steel girder span that can be removed in
case of emergencies.
    The proposed bridge will replace the existing costly ferry
operation and provide a safer, more efficient transportation facility
for motorists traveling between Cameron and Monkey Island. LDOTD's
objective in providing roads and bridges on the state maintained
highway system is to assure an unrestricted and safe flow of commerce
via that system. Although the ferry is operating on a 24-hour schedule
year-round, motorists are delayed by the ferry schedule. Replacing the
ferry with a bridge will eliminate delays due to the ferry and severe
weather conditions. This is important in evacuating residents on the
island during storms or hurricanes.
    Consideration of approval of the location and plans for the
proposed vehicular bridge is the action precipitating the Coast Guard's
involvement in this project. The Coast Guard, as lead Federal agency
for the proposed project, has reviewed the applicant-prepared
Environmental Assessment (EA). Based upon the EA, the Coast Guard has
tentatively determined that the proposed action will not have a
significant impact on the environment for purposes of the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). A Coast Guard Finding of No
Significant Impact (FONSI) will be prepared as the final environmental
document for the proposed project unless significant impacts are
identified as a result of this public notification process to warrant
the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
    Only two alternatives are currently being considered for this
project. These alternatives are defined as the `build' and `no-build'
alternatives.
    Potential impacts addressed in the EA include economic, social and
community, construction, wetland, fish and wildlife, navigation, water
quality, floodplain, noise, air and cultural resources, hazardous
waste, and secondary and cumulative impacts. Information concerning
availability of the EA may be obtained from Mr. David Frank at the
phone number listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

Procedural

    Individuals and representatives of organizations that wish to
present testimony at the Hearing or who want to be placed on the
project mailing list, may submit a request to Mr. David Frank at the
telephone number listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Requests
to speak should be received no later than September 21, 2000 in order
to ensure proper schedule of the hearing. Attendees at the hearing who
wish to present testimony and have not previously made a request to do
so, will follow those on the previously established list. Depending
upon the number of scheduled statements, the Coast Guard may limit the
amount of time required. Written statements and other exhibits in lieu
of or in addition to oral statements at the Hearing may be submitted to
Mr. David Frank at the address listed under ADDRESSES until September
21, 2000, in order to be included in the Public Hearing transcript.

Information on Services for Individuals With Disabilities

    For information about facilities or services for individuals with
disabilities or to request special assistance at the meetings, contact
the Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District (obc). Please request these
services from Mr. David Frank, at the phone number under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT or in writing at the address listed under
ADDRESSES. Any requests for an oral or sign language interpreter must
be received by September 21, 2000.

    Authority: 33 U.S.C. 513, 49 CFR 1.46.

    Dated: August 23, 2000.
Paul J. Pluta,
Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, Eighth Coast Guard District.
[FR Doc. 00-22317 Filed 8-30-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-15-P

 
 

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