MSO New Orleans – Hurricane Condition Four
USCG Marine Safety Office (MSO) New Orleans is operating at Hurricane Condition Four due to approaching tropical storms Bonnie and Charlie (the name should have been Clyde). Condition Four means that hurricane force winds are possible within 72 hours. The maritime industry is urged to review their hurricane plans to ensure the safety of their personnel and property. Vessels should plan their transits so as to avoid heavy weather to the extent possible. Bridge closures on the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal may begin up to 48 hours before hurricane landfall. (HK Law).
MSO New Orleans – Hurricane Condition Two
USCG Marine Safety Office (MSO) New Orleans is operating at Hurricane Condition Two due to approaching tropical storms Bonnie and Charlie. Condition Two means that hurricane force winds are possible within 24 hours. The maritime industry is urged to review their hurricane plans to ensure the safety of their personnel and property. Vessels should plan their transits so as to avoid heavy weather to the extent possible. Bridge closures on the Inner Harbor Navigational Canal may begin up to 48 hours before hurricane landfall. (HK Law)
FY 2008 $4.8b Budget Request is Highest Level of Funding for USACE
Although it represents a decrease from the FY 2007 spending level President Bush’s FY 2008 proposed budget nonetheless requests the highest level of funding ever included in any President’s budget for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water resources projects and programs, a total of $4.871b. Last year’s (FY 07) budget request was $4.733 billion. This budget request also proposes FY ’08 spending of $418 million for Inland Waterways Trust Fund financed projects, of which one-half will come from the dedicated Inland Waterways Trust Fund. The remainder would come from general treasury funds, as required under current law. The FY 2008 Civil Works Budget notes that…
Port New Orleans Pleads for Aid
According to reports, the Port of New Orleans is in dire need of federal and state aid to save some of its most damaged operations and businesses, the port's president and chief executive told the maritime industry in his annual state of the port address. Gary LaGrange said the port is in a battle to retain the nine maritime businesses that operate along the Industrial Canal, a 1,000-acre tract of port property that was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Together the businesses generated about 9,000 indirect jobs, LaGrange said. At least one of them probably will have to relocate soon, he said. The port does have several things to celebrate, he said.
Hurricane Katrina: Waterway Status
The U.S. Coast Guard issued updates on the status of waterways impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Panama City is open to vessels with a draft of 34 feet or less. Pensacola is open to vessels with a draft of 31 feet or less. Mobile is open during daylight hours to vessels with a draft of 20 feet or less while an obstruction is removed. Pascagoula is open to vessels with a draft of 36 feet or less for daylight transits only. Biloxi remains closed until surveys have been completed. Gulfport remains closed, but is expected to open soon. Bayou La Batre remains closed. The Lower Mississippi River, including New Orleans, is open to vessels with a draft of 39 feet or less for daylight transits. All other vessels and transits are allowed only with permission of the New Orleans COTP.
