Delegation of Authority Under Abandoned Barge Act (Cont)

12301(b) concerning the numbering of undocumented barges. The authority vested in me

as Commandant is redelegated as detailed below. Any actions or duties required or

authorized by the Act not otherwise specifically delegated by me, or specifically retained

by me, are delegated to the Chief, Marine Safety and Environmental Protection. All

authority delegated by this letter may be redelegated.

The authority to carry out functions arising under 46 U.S.C. 12301(b) regarding the

numbering of barges is not delegated and is specifically retained by me.

The Chief, Marine Safety and Environmental Protection is delegated the authority to

approve removal actions under 46 U.S.C. 4704.

Each Hearing Officer is delegated the authority to assess civil penalties under 46 U.S.C.

4703.

Each Captain of the Port is delegated the authority to carry out the following functions

with respect to barges abandoned within his/her assigned zone:

(1)

To make the determination that a barge is abandoned within the meaning of the Act.

(2)

To accept notification that a barge is not abandoned pursuant to 46 U.S.C.

4702(a)(3).

(3)

To carry out the notification procedures of 46 U.S.C. 4704(a)(1).

The Coast Guard Head of Contracting Activity is delegated the authority to solicit bids

and award contracts for removal pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 4704(c). This delegation includes

the authority to subject the contract to the condition specified in 46 U.S.C. 4704(c)(2)(A)

and to accept and approve the plan for removal required by 46 U.S.C. 4704(c)(2)(B). This

contracting authority will be redelegated to the appropriate contracting activity.

These delegations supersede existing delegations to the extent they conflict. Regulation

changes reflecting these delegations will be made at a later time. Detailed guidance on

carrying out responsibilities associated with these delegations is contained in reference (c).

/s/ ROBERT E. KRAMEK

Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard

Commandant