Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Construction of the Knik Arm Crossing, Alaska

Résumé

NMFS has received a request from the Knik Arm Bridge Toll Authority (KABATA), in coordination with the Department of Transportation Federal Highways Administration (FHWA), for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to construction of a bridge across Knik Arm, named the Knik Arm Crossing, Alaska, over the course of five construction seasons; approximately spring 2013 through autumn 2017. Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing receipt of the KABATA's application and request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals and inviting information, suggestions, and comments on the KABATA's application and request. NMFS has reviewed KABATA's request, including the information in its application, and determined that it is adequate and complete in accordance with 50 CFR 216.104(b)(1).