Indy Standard

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced a resolution designating April as National Safe Digging Month. The resolution aims to build awareness of safe digging practices that protect homeowners and utility workers from damaging underground utility lines during excavation projects.

"As Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports, I’m proud to cosponsor this resolution designating April as National Safe Digging Month. As the weather gets warmer and excavation projects begin to increase, it is important to remember to call before you dig,” said Senator Young.

"Too often, accidental utility line strikes disrupt vital services, pollute our environment, and put workers’ lives at unnecessary risk. I’m proud to lead this resolution to promote the safe digging practices that protect Michigan communities and the hard-working men and women who build and maintain our infrastructure, and I want to thank the Common Ground Alliance for their work to establish National Safe Digging Month,” said Senator Peters.

Each year, underground utility infrastructure, including pipelines, electrical lines, and telecommunications cables, are unintentionally damaged during excavation projects. National Safe Digging Month was established by the Common Ground Alliance to raise awareness of safe digging practices like the “One Call” policy, which encourages homeowners and excavators to dial “811” before starting a project to obtain information regarding the location of utility lines. This resolution designates April as National Safe Digging Month to support safety and awareness efforts during the peak period when excavation projects are carried out across the country.