Our thanks to Specialist Erica Skolte for this advanced invitation for comments on this mid-summer Okeechobee lock closure.  This 12 day maintenance closure would require a carefully planned float plan for June of this year. Comments will accepted through March 31.

All,
Please share this information with other interested parties!

Notice to Navigation Interests: NTN 2018-02 Okeechobee Waterway – Ortona Lock Closure June 2018; Public Comment through March 31:
http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Portals/44/docs/Navigation/Notices/NTN2018/NTN2018-02OkeechobeeWaterwayOrtonaLockClosureJune2018.pdf

Notice is given that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is notifying the public, marinas, commercial and recreational vessels traveling the Okeechobee Waterway that Ortona Lock will be closed for maintenance 4 through 16 June 2018. This will be the first lock closure along the Okeechobee Waterway in 6 years; maintenance is necessary to repair aging and damaged infrastructure in addition to improving public and vessel safety. Repairs will require the lock chamber to be dewatered for crews to perform inspections, replace gate seals and repair Manatee Protection system components. During the closure, barges, floating cranes and divers will be working in the lock entrance, requiring vessel operators in the area to use minimal speed and caution for safety.

Public comments and concerns related to this closure will be accepted until 31 March 2018 and can be mailed to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 525 Ridgelawn Rd., Clewiston, FL 33440 Attn: Gary Hipkins or can be emailed to Gary.L.Hipkins@usace.army.mil (please add “Public Comment on Ortona Lock Closure 2018” in subject line).

Sign up to receive updates on Notices to Navigation at:
http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Navigation/NoticestoNavigation.aspx
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Locks on the Okeechobee Waterway and Canaveral remain in full operation.

Thanks for getting the word out!
Erica

Erica Skolte
Public Affairs Specialist
Corporate Communications Office
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District
Palm Beach Gardens
NOTE: NEW OFFICE PHONE 561-340-1527
Cell: 561-801-5734
erica.a.skolte@usace.army.mil
Twitter @JaxStrong
Jacksonville District Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/JacksonvilleDistrict
Jacksonville District: A team of professionals making tomorrow better

Click Here To View the Okeechobee Cruisers’ Net Bridge Directory Listing For Ortona Lock

Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Ortona Lock