WASHINGTON – Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) renewed his call to northern Michigan residents to make their voices heard on the Coast Guard’s proposal to conduct live gunfire training exercises on the Great Lakes.  The Coast Guard had originally planned to end the public comment period in August of 2006.  However, last month the Coast Guard extended the public comment period 60 days, meaning that the public will have until November 13th to file comments on the Coast Guard’s plans.

“The Great Lakes are part of our way of life in northern Michigan,” said Stupak.   “I encourage all of my constituents to use this extension and express their views to the Coast Guard.”

Stupak said public may enter their comments via the web at http://dms.dot.gov; via fax at (202) 493-2251; or via mail at:

Docket Management Facility

U.S. Department of Transportation

Room PL-401

400 7th Street SW

Washington, DC  20590-0001

At Stupak’s urging, the Coast Guard has also agreed to hold a meeting on its proposal in Stupak’s district in the town of Charlevoix, Michigan on November 3rd.  The meeting will include an “open house” for questions and answers to be held between 4:00-5:30 p.m. ET.  From 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. ET the Coast Guard will hold a formal meeting during which time members of the public may submit written comments or address the Coast Guard.  Both sessions will be held at the Charlevoix Public Library at 220 West Clinton.

Stupak announced last week that a provision included in this year’s Homeland Security funding legislation directs the Coast Guard to use local media and notification of local harbormasters in order to notify the public that it will be conducting a live fire exercise.  The Coast Guard had originally proposed only using marine band radios and notice in the Federal Register as its methods for keeping the public informed.  Stupak worked with Congressman Dave Obey (D-WI) to have the provision included in the larger funding measure.

“Many recreational boaters do not always monitor marine band radios so it is vital that the Coast Guard use other methods to keep the public informed of live fire exercises,” noted Stupak.  “This legislation means that the public will at least be made aware of upcoming live fire exercises.”

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