Bill Text: MI HR0055 | 2011-2012 | 96th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to declare April 2011 as Safe Digging Month in the state of Michigan.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 7-4)
Status: (Passed) 2011-04-12 - Adopted [HR0055 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2011-HR0055-Enrolled.html
Reps. Horn, Brown, Constan, Goike, Huuki, Kurtz, Liss, Lori, Slavens, Tyler and Zorn offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 55.
A resolution to declare April 2011 as Safe Digging Month in the state of Michigan.
Whereas, The month of April traditionally marks the beginning of the commercial and residential construction season, when large-scale projects like buildings and roads begin, as well as smaller jobs like installing landscaping, decks, fencing, and even street mailboxes. Each year, because of projects like these, Michigan's utility infrastructure is put in danger by unintentional damage to underground facilities such as natural gas, electric, cable, telephone, fiber optic, water and sewer pipes and lines by those who fail to call 811 at least three working days prior to digging. Undesired consequences such as service interruption, damage to the environment, personal injury, and even death can potentially result; and
Whereas, MISS DIG System, Inc., as well as Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, and other Michigan utilities, along with the Michigan Public Service Commission and the national Common Ground Alliance organization, promote the national call before you dig number, 811, in an effort to reduce these damages. Calling 811 provides potential excavators and homeowners with a simple-to-remember toll-free number that reaches their local One-Call Center to request the marking of utility line locations at the intended dig site; and
Whereas, Through this partnership and ongoing education campaign to share safe digging practices, excavators and homeowners can save time and money, while keeping our state and its residents and workers safe and connected by making a simple call to 811 in advance of the excavation, waiting the required amount of time, respecting the marks by maintaining visual definition throughout the course of the excavation, and finally, digging with care around the marks; and
Whereas, All parties agree that safety is a shared responsibility. To know what's below; call 811 before digging; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare April 2011 as Safe Digging Month in the state of Michigan. We encourage excavators and homeowners throughout the great state to always call 811 before digging. Safe digging is no accident.
