The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has determined that a severe winter snow storm affecting western states and extending into the Plains and Upper Midwest now constitutes an “emergency event” as related to railroad operations. Therefore, the FRA has activated an Emergency Relief Docket (FRA-2013-0001) as of December 6, 2013, and the emergency relief provisions of 49 CFR Part 211.45 are now in effect. Establishment of the docket provides an expedited process by which railroads may seek and FRA may approve waivers from specific safety rules, regulations, or standards to facilitate storm-related repairs, and related operational recovery and restoration efforts. Such emergency waivers  help ensure that compliance with  safety regulations does not stand in the way of railroad efforts to cope with the emergency while ensuring the safety of the public and railroad employees. Contact: Kevin Thompson (202) 493-6024.