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.

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