§ 39-1.2-1.1 - Findings. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 39-1.2-1.1

   § 39-1.2-1.1  Findings. – The general assembly finds and declares that:

   (1) Safety and the need for an effective damage preventionprogram for underground utility facilities should include participation fromall stakeholders including excavators and utility companies;

   (2) To develop a process for fostering and promoting the useof an effective damage prevention program, by all appropriate stakeholders,technologies need to be improved that enhance communications, undergroundpipeline locating capability, and gathering and analyzing information about theaccuracy and effectiveness of underground facility locating programs;

   (3) Many public, private and municipal utilities are locatedunderground including, but not limited to, gas, water, electric, cabletelevision, telephone and sewers. Excavation in the vicinity of such utilitiescan be dangerous and the utilities should be marked appropriately to avoiddamage, injury or public emergency; and

   (4) All utilities whether public, private or municipal shouldstrongly consider participation in the utility damage prevention program knownas Dig Safe System, Inc. to insure the highest level of safety and awareness ofutility facility locations.