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Federal Agency Contacts
Cultural Resource Management: Policy and Regulations
Section 106 Notes
Agency and Related Links

Federal Agency Contacts

Stephen. G. DelSordo
Federal Preservation Officer
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
202-418-1986
stephen.delsordo@fcc.gov

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
Jeffrey Steinberg
Deputy Chief
Spectrum and Policy Competition Division
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC  20554
202-418-0896
jeffrey.steinberg@fcc.gov

Frank Stilwell
Senior Attorney
Spectrum and Policy Competition Division
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC  20554
202-418-1892
frank.stilwell@fcc.gov

Media Bureau
Michael Wagner
Assistant Chief, Audio Division
Media Bureau
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, DC  20554
(202) 418-2775
michael.wagner@fcc.gov

David N. Roberts
Attorney Advisor
Video Division, Media Bureau
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th St. S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
202-418-1618
david.roberts@fcc.gov

Wireline Competition Bureau
Marilyn Jones
Attorney Advisor
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th St. S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
202-418-2357
marilyn.jones@fcc.gov

Cultural Resource Management: Policy and Interpretation

FCC regulations for compliance with NEPA are found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 47, Subchapter A, Part 1, Subpart I—Procedures Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (47 CFR Part 1.1301 to 1.1309). The references to historic preservation are found at 47 CFR Part 1.1307(a)(4), which identifies facilities that may affect properties on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places as potentially requiring NEPA compliance (including preparation of an Environmental Assessment by the applicant).

FCC has guidance on NEPA and answers to frequently asked questions about NEPA.

FCC does not have regulations or guidance on compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA.

Section 106 Notes

View Programmatic Agreements

Construction of communications towers and development of communications lines can potentially have significant visual impacts on historic properties and can adversely impact archeological sites. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licenses and certifications for such facilities are Federal actions subject to compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The Telecommunications Act of 1996 has increased the number of applications before FCC by encouraging growth of the telecommunications industry and competition among wireless carriers. The advent of digital television technology may also trigger a wave of new tower construction or changes to existing towers. Extension and construction of buried fiberoptic cable systems and other communications lines are also increasing.

Programmatic Agreements for construction of wireless telecommunications towers in Virginia and California are under development. These could, if successfully concluded, be prototypes for other states.

Agency and Related Links

FCC provides information on all aspects of the agency.
For additional information on wireless telecommunications towers, contact the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. Available information includes fact sheets on siting of wireless facilities.

Digital television development is overseen by the Mass Media Bureau.

Development of communications lines is overseen by the Wireline Competition Bureau.

Updated January 10, 2007

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