Coast Guard issues draft environmental assessment of Bayonne Bridge plan

The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:

(NEW YORK) — The Coast Guard announces the release of a Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) and public comment period for the proposed modification of the Port Authority of NY/NJ owned Bayonne Bridge across the Kill Van Kull between Bayonne, New Jersey and Staten Island, New York.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, this DEA addresses the potential environmental and socioeconomic impact of the proposed modification of the historic bridge. As a structure over navigable waters of the United States, the proposed modification would require a Coast Guard Bridge Permit Amendment.

The DEA can be found at www.regulations.gov, docket number USCG-USCG- 2012-1091 or by visiting http://www.uscg.mil/d1/prevention/Bridges.asp. There is a 45-day public comment period. As a part of the public comment period, there will be two public meetings: one held on February 5th in Bayonne; the other on February 7th in Staten Island.

For more information regarding the project, please visit: www.panynj.gov/bayonnebridge

By Professional Mariner Staff