MIAMI – The U.S. Coast Guard is proposing to make multiple changes to the Government Cut Range Front Light (GCF-E), also known locally as Bent Light in Biscayne Bay, Florida.

U.S. Coast Guard officials are considering a proposal to transfer the aid to navigation (ATON) to Miami-Dade County, as a private ATON and are seeking comments from the public on the proposed action.

The comments gathered will be utilized to supplement the Environmental Assessment previously completed for the ATON replacement project.

The local fishing and boating community have expressed their desire for the structure to remain since it provides habitat for bait fish to support the local economy.

Due to the time critical nature of this project, comments are requested by Dec. 2, 2014 when the issue is expected to be brought to vote by the Miami-Dade County Commission. Should the Commission not vote to obtain the structure, the Coast Guard will proceed as originally planned, with the structure scheduled to be demolished between the dates of Dec. 6, 2014 and Jan. 15, 2015.

As a reminder, each Coast Guard District office publishes and makes available for the public a weekly Local Notice to Mariners. The LNM is the official Coast Guard publication that lists current conditions of ATON, proposed changes to ATON, approved marine events and various announcements for waterway safety. For a more detailed description and a graphical representation of these proposed changes, please visit the LNM for the Coast Guard 7th District, which can be found on the Coast Guard Navigation Center’s web site:http://ift.tt/1vJ9Tlk

The LNM lists contact information for mariners to submit comments via mail, phone or email on this or any other proposed change to ATON.

Comments specifically regarding the Government Cut Range Front Light can be sent via mail or email to the Coast Guard 7th District, Brickell Plaza Federal Building, 909 S.E. 1st Avenue, Suite 432, Miami, Florida 33131; or D07-SMB-DPWPublicComment@uscg.mil