NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gov. Phil Bredesen today proclaimed April 29-May 5
as *811 Call Before You Dig* week across Tennessee to publicize the
phone number people should call to help them avoid digging into buried
utility lines.

The federally mandated national “Call Before You Dig” number, 811, was
created to help protect people from unintentionally hitting underground
utility lines while working on digging projects. By calling 811 three
days before digging, people can have the location of underground utility
lines marked without charge and help prevent the undesired consequences
of personal injury and property damage.

*This new help line will greatly reduce the risk of striking a
natural gas line or other utility lines, even with small projects like
planting trees or shrubs,* said Governor Bredesen. *It*s a simple
and effective step that will prevent injury and service disruptions.*

Tennessee Regulatory Authority Director Eddie Roberson and Tennessee
One-Call System Inc. Executive Director Bill Turner joined Bredesen for
the proclamation signing in the governor*s office. The TRA regulates
privately owned telephone, natural gas, electric and water utilities and
conducts gas pipeline safety inspections. Those utilities have thousands
of miles of underground lines across the state. Tennessee One-Call
System acts as an advance notification service to operators of
underground facilities.

*People often are unsure as to whether or not they should get their
utility lines marked before digging. It*s always better to be safe
than sorry, and with the new 811 number, calling is even easier,*
Roberson said.

The mission of the TRA is to promote the public interest by balancing
the interests of utility consumers and providers. For more information
on the TRA, visit online at www.state.tn.us/tra.