WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Thune (R-SD) and the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Surface Transportation, and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee, Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), today introduced a Senate Resolution recognizing the goals of National Safe Digging Month. The group reminded Americans to take every precaution with regard to excavation projects.

“Americans depend on underground utility lines to provide our homes and offices with electricity, gas, water, and cable television. Damaging these lines can shut off power to neighborhoods and prevent running water and cable from getting to communities, and these consequences could be prevented by simply calling ahead,” said Rockefeller. “I encourage all homeowners and excavators to call 811 before digging, especially since April marks the beginning of our nation’s peak period for excavation projects.”

“As folks across the country contemplate summer construction projects, use of the One Call number can ensure that utilities aren’t compromised, while also protecting homeowners and businesses from costly repairs and disruptions,” said Thune.

"Safe Digging Month promotes important safety measures that help homeowners and contractors prevent serious damage to pipelines and other underground infrastructure.  As warmer weather arrives and excavation projects kick off, it is important to dial '811' to find out about underground lines before digging begins,” said Lautenberg. “I’m proud our pipeline safety law set more stringent standards for "One Call" systems that will help ensure everyone is taking the steps necessary to dig safely and prevent serious personal injury and environmental damage."

“The 811 ‘Call Before You Dig’ number has helped significantly in preventing accidents for homeowners and excavators working on digging projects,” said Blunt. “I’m happy to support National Safe Digging Month, because we must continue to educate Americans on the importance of promote smart digging to enhance safety and protect our country's infrastructure.” 

Legislation that Senators Rockefeller and Lautenberg cosponsored, which formed the basis of a comprehensive pipeline safety bill, The Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011, included provisions to strengthen one-call requirements. In 2005, the FCC designated ‘811’ as the nationwide, toll-free, ‘One Call’ number for homeowners and excavators to use to gather information on underground utility lines prior to digging activities. This number, widely publicized by the Common Ground Alliance’s ‘Call Before You Dig’ campaign, has helped reduce the number of digging accidents in the United States drastically since 2005.

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