The following is text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(CAPE CHARLES, Va.) — The Coast Guard plans to hold several meetings in Norfolk and Cape Charles in June and July to invite public comment about the proposed creation and relocation of two Cape Charles anchorages.
The Coast Guard proposes establishing a new anchorage farther offshore Cape Charles and relocating a pre-existing anchorage to a more secluded location on the southern Chesapeake Bay.
This new proposal was prompted by improvements of maritime infrastructure, growth in size and volume of vessel traffic, the results of an environmental study and previously-received public comments.
The goal of the proposed rulemaking is to facilitate the multimillion-dollar commerce trade that transits the Chesapeake Bay while protecting the environment and national defense needs with minimal impact to Chesapeake Bay communities.
The Coast Guard will hold the following public meetings regarding this proposed rulemaking:
• June 25, 5 to 7 p.m. – Slover Public Library meeting room, 235 E. Plume St., Norfolk, VA 23510
• July 10, 1 to 3 p.m. – Cape Charles Civic Center, 500 Tazewell Ave., Cape Charles, VA 23310
• July 10, 6 to 8 p.m. – Cape Charles Civic Center, 500 Tazewell Ave., Cape Charles, VA 23310
You can also submit comments identified by docket number USCG-2015-1118 using the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://regulations.gov. Include the docket number and specific section to which your comment applies. Comments and related material must be received on or before July 17.
"Public participation is essential to effective rulemaking,” said Capt. Jerry Barnes, prevention chief, 5th Coast Guard District. “Every comment received during the comment period will be taken into consideration as we try to balance the safety, security and environmental protection needs of Virginia ports.”
