The Louisiana One Call Board of Directors continues to look for ways to promote a stronger and more effective damage prevention program. Their commitment to excellence has elevated our damage prevention program to one of the top programs in the nation.

Whether we are providing free presentations to your organization about digging safely in Louisiana, advertising “call before you dig” in your local area or looking for new and innovative ways to get involved with other stakeholders to keep Louisiana a safer place to live and work; we do what we do because we are committed to protecting our communities and our underground infrastructure.

Recently there was a change in the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. In this issue you will be able to review the law, and I encourage all stakeholders to become familiar with it. A fair question asked by most industry stakeholders is “How will this impact me and my operation?”

Discussion rarely ends when legislation is passed. Open and honest dialogue provides the strongest foundation for success. Sometimes the solutions are found in legislation and other times found in changing business practices. In either case, the willingness of stakeholders to share information and perspectives while working together for common solutions will be directly tied to our future success.

In April 2012, Louisiana One Call will join with other stakeholders through the Regional Common Ground Alliance (CGA) to promote the Louisiana Damage Prevention Summit.

This event is for all stakeholders such as gas and pipeline representatives, professional excavators and locators, electric company personnel, communications industry, rural water managers and operators, parish, and municipal officials. If you interface with Louisiana One Call, excavate or locate underground facilities, you are not going to want to miss this one.

Thanks again to those of you who have committed to supporting our damage prevention efforts, including advertising in this publication.
This particular issue is focused on pipelines. One of Louisiana’s strongest industries is also one dedicated to safety and damage prevention. They are a back bone to the Louisiana economy.

On behalf of Louisiana One Call, I salute you for your support and commitment to safety.