WHEREAS, underground utility infrastructure provides vital services such as water, sewer, electricity, communications, and natural gas to the citizens and businesses across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, these underground utility lines are at risk of damage every time someone digs in close proximity to the facilities; and

WHEREAS, every year, the Commonwealth's underground utility infrastructure is jeopardized by unintentional damage caused by those who fail to contact the Virginia 811 notification center to have underground utility lines located and marked prior to digging; and

WHEREAS, the potential consequences of failing to have the underground lines located and marked include possible service interruption, damage to the environment, personal injury, and even death; and

WHEREAS, Virginia 811, partnering with the Virginia State Corporation Commission and stakeholder groups, has developed an effective public education campaign to raise awareness about safe digging practices and the importance of always contacting Virginia 811 before digging; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate April, in 2019 and in each succeeding year, as Safe Digging Month in Virginia; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to Rick Pevarski, president and chief executive officer of Virginia 811, so that the Virginia 811 board of directors, utility members, staff, and industry stakeholders may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter; and, be it

RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this month on the General Assembly's website.