NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12
th
Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Cir. 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
May 19, 2014 Cecilia Sulhoff, 202-418-0587
E-mail: Cecilia.Sulhoff@fcc.gov
FCC ANNOUNCES TWO ACTIONS 
TO FACILITATE POSITIVE TRAIN CONTROL IMPLEMENTATION
FCC enters into agreement with freight rail industry to resolve previously-constructed facilities
ACHP approves Program Comment for facilities to be constructed
Washington, DC – The Federal Communications Commission has entered into landmark agreements with the 
seven Class I freight rail companies to address the railroads’ construction prior to May 31, 2013, of positive 
train control (PTC) facilities that may not have undergone the statutorily required environmental and historic 
preservation review.  As a result of this agreement, the freight railroads are immediately able to start using 
nearly 11,000 previously-constructed poles for important testing and other preparatory activities and for the 
ultimate provision of PTC. 
The freight railroads have agreed to create a Cultural Resource Fund totaling ten million dollars 
($10,000,000.00) to provide funding directly to Tribal Nations and State Historic Preservation Offices to 
support cultural and historic preservation projects.  A neutral third party administrator will administer the 
fund.  Each freight railroad has also committed to training its employees on environmental and historic 
preservation compliance and to building working relationships with Tribal Nations.
Additionally, on May 16, 2014, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) voted to approve a 
Program Comment that modifies the FCC’s usual procedures for historic preservation review.  The process 
outlined in the Program Comment is tailored to the unique circumstances surrounding the deployment of PTC
facilities, and provides a mechanism for timely review by all parties.
“I am pleased that we have reached an agreement with the freight rail industry that will resolve the siting 
issues for one third of the PTC poles while providing substantial resources to Tribal Nations and States to 
support and advance historic preservation.  This agreement is an acknowledgement by the freight rail industry 
of the importance of environmental protection and historic preservation.  PTC is a transformative technology 
that has the power to save lives, prevent injuries, and avoid extensive property damage.  It is a top priority of 
the Commission to facilitate an efficient and timely review process that complies with the National 
Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) while expediting 
this important safety measure,” said Chairman Tom Wheeler.  
Copies of the Memoranda of Understanding between the freight railroads and the FCC are available here:
http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/positive-train-control-ptc.
For more information about the Program Comment please see the Public Notice issued today by the Wireless 
Telecommunications Bureau, http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-14-680A1.pdf
-FCC-