U S. Department          Commandant       2100 Second Street SW
of Transportation        US Coast Guard   Washington, DC  20593-0001
                                          Staff Symbol:  G-CC/104
                                          Phone 202 366-4280 
                                  July 16, 1993

The Honorable James Oberstar
Member, United States House of
   Representatives
231 Federal Building
Duluth, Minnesota          55802

Dear Mr. Oberstar:

This is in reply to your letter of June 14, 1993, on behalf of
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX(b)(7)(C)       equested that the Coast 
Guard consider regulations which would exempt handicapped and 
elderly people from the requirement to lower appurtenances 
unessential to navigation when transiting drawbridges.

The Coast Guard shares X(b)(7)(C)        concerns and endeavors 
to issue regulations which provide every citizen with the
opportunity to enjoy the nation's waterways as conveniently and
as safely as possible. At the same time we also must provide for
the efficient and safe passage of vehicular traffic that use
drawbridges. Present regulations allow for the opening of
drawbridges during emergency conditions.

XXXX(b)(7)(C) suggestion, although understandable, is not
practical as it would be difficult to enforce. Bridge tenders
are located at such a distance that it would be difficult, if not
impossible, to identify vessels with handicap designations.
Additionally, the possibility of widespread abuse exists due to
the drawtenders' inability to verify legitimate handicapped
vessel operators when a signal for a drawbridge opening is given.
The resultant unnecessary bridge openings would adversely affect
highway traffic.

XXXX(b)(7)(C) suggestion is appreciated and will be kept in our
files for possible use should circumstances in the future render
feasible. At present XXXX(b)(7)(C) may wish to pursue
appropriate modification of his vessel to enable him to lower and
raise appurtenances unessential to navigation more easily.

                         Sincerely,

                         JOHN W. WHITEHOUSE
                         Commander, U.S. Coast Guard
                    Deputy Chief, Congressional Affairs Staff
01-02686