As part of its efforts to carry out a Port Access Route Study for the Northern New York Bight, the Coast Guard today announced that it is reopening the comment period through Thursday, Sept. 30 on the content and development of a draft report evaluating the adequacy of existing vessel routing measures and whether additional routing measures are needed for port approaches to New York and New Jersey and international and domestic transit areas in the 1st District area of responsibility. The report recommends the establishment of four new fairways and the adjustment of one existing fairway.
In explaining its decision to reopen the comment period, which previously closed on Aug. 30, the Coast Guard said that the extra time for public review would “further its outreach efforts,” provide opportunity for additional comment on the draft report, and facilitate transparent public discussions.
The study area extends ~150 nautical miles seaward and covers ~25,000 square nautical miles including the offshore area of New Jersey and New York used by private, commercial, and public vessels transiting to and from these ports. Study recommendations may lead to future rulemakings or international agreements.