Bill Text: MI SR0133 | 2011-2012 | 96th Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution declaring April 2012 as Michigan Safe Digging Month.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 10-3)
Status: (Passed) 2012-03-29 - Adopted [SR0133 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2011-SR0133-Enrolled.html
SR-133, As Adopted by Senate, March 29, 2012
Senators Marleau, Jones, Nofs, Hansen, Schuitmaker, Proos, Bieda, Young, Hopgood and Walker offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 133.
A resolution declaring April 2012 as Michigan Safe Digging Month.
Whereas, This April marks the five-year anniversary for both National Safe Digging Month and the 811 Campaign, which offers Michigan residents an easy-to-remember, toll-free number to call at least three days before beginning any digging project; and
Whereas, By simply dialing 811, Michigan homeowners and contractors are connected to MISS DIG System, Inc., which notifies appropriate utility owners of their intent to dig; and
Whereas, Calling 811 is the safe way to learn the approximate location of underground utilities that include natural gas, electric, phone, Internet, water, and sewer. The month of April traditionally marks the beginning of the commercial and residential construction season, when large- scale projects like buildings and road work begin, as well as smaller jobs like installing landscaping, decks, fencing, and even street mailboxes; and
Whereas, Each year, because of these and other excavation projects, Michigan’s utility infrastructure can be unintentionally damaged by those who fail to call 811 at least three working days prior to digging. Undesired consequences such as service interruption, damage to property and the environment, personal injury, and death can potentially result; and
Whereas, MISS DIG System, Inc., as well as Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, SEMCO Energy, and other Michigan utilities, along with the Michigan Public Service Commission, Michigan legislators, and the National Common Ground Alliance, promote the national call-before-you-dig number--811--in an effort to reduce these damages; and
Whereas, Excavators and homeowners can save time and money while keeping our state and its residents and workers safe and connected by calling 811 in advance of any excavation project; waiting three working days; respecting the marked lines by maintaining visual definition throughout the course of the excavation; and finally, digging with care around the markings; and
Whereas, All parties agree that safety is a shared responsibility. To know what’s below, call 811 before digging; and
Whereas, Through this partnership with these and other utilities, one-call centers, and state and local governments, the 811 Campaign is marking its fifth year of nationwide success at sharing safe digging practices; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we hereby proclaim April 2011 as Michigan Safe Digging Month. We encourage excavators and homeowners throughout our great state to always call 811 before digging. Safe digging is no accident.
