COAST GUARD CONSIDERS RELOCATION OF GREAT LAKES PILOTAGE OFFICE

COAST GUARD CONSIDERS RELOCATION OF GREAT LAKES PILOTAGE OFFICE    The U.S. Coast Guard is considering whether to relocate its Great Lakes Pilotage Office to the Great Lakes area or remain at its Washington headquarters.
   The agency said it wants to determine the best place from where its Great Lakes Pilotage Office can best serve the shipping industry of that region. “The right choice should improve service to all concerned,” the Coast Guard said.
   The Coast Guard will begin its relocation study on Aug. 27. The agency plans to interview representatives from industry groups, such as the St. Lawrence Seaway Pilots’ Association, Great Lakes District Council, American Great Lakes Ports’ Association, United States Great Lakes Shipping Association, Lakes Pilots’ Association, and Western Great Lakes Pilots’ Association. The Coast Guard will also interview union representatives from the International Longshoremen’s Association. Written comments may be sent to Coast Guard in Washington by Sept. 12.
   From 1960 to 1990, the Great Lakes Pilotage Office was located in Cleveland. In 1990, the office was moved to Washington under the belief that it could better serve the Great Lakes shipping industry there.
   An internal Coast Guard study earlier this year, however, found that the office should be relocated closer to the pilotage industry of the Great Lakes and to other government agencies such as the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corp. and the Canadian Great Lakes Pilotage Authority.
   While Cleveland is a strong candidate for a relocation site, the Coast Guard’s internal study found that Massena, N.Y., might be the better choice.
   “Should this study conclude that such a move is justified, the Coast Guard will examine suitable locations for the office near the Great Lakes and make a final recommendation concerning where to relocate,” the Coast Guard said.