WQIO Ohio's Super Station
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) today announced that it has awarded nearly $70,000 in utility damage prevention grants.
“Excavation damage is a leading cause of injuries and fatalities related to underground utility infrastructure,” stated PUCO Chair Jenifer French. “Ohio law requires all Ohioans to have underground utility lines marked before any digging or excavation and these grants will assist in raising awareness on how to stay safe.”
Grant funding is available to assist in public awareness programs, training or other incentive programs to reduce the number and severity of underground utility damage. Grant funding has been awarded to:
- The city of Troy will receive $7,700 to conduct locator training.
- George J Igel & Co., Inc. will receive $5,000 to conduct excavator training.
- Hamilton County Engineer’s Office will receive $15,000 for a 5-day backhoe/loader, excavator and excavation training program.
- Ohio811 will receive $15,000 for outreach, promotion and educational programs.
- Terra State Community College will receive $5,000 for locator training.
- The Ruhlin Company will receive $3,000 for excavation training.
- USIC Locating Services, LLC will receive $9,000 for locator training and continuous education initiatives.
- Utility Technologies International will receive $5,000 towards excavation education for excavators, operators, designers and locators of utility services.
- Wayne County Engineer’s Office will receive $4,845 to conduct training and a public education event.
Ohio’s Underground Technical Committee hears complaints about unsafe digging practices around utility infrastructure and can order corrective action or monetary fines. Money for these grants comes from fines paid by excavators, utilities and other entities.
Read more: Underground Technical Committee 2024 annual report (PDF)
Safe digging practices
April is National Safe Digging Month. With warmer weather approaching it is important to remember that all Ohioans have an obligation to have underground utility lines safely marked before any planned digging.
It’s easy and free to have utility lines marked. Simply contact Ohio811 by dialing 8-1-1 or visiting Ohio811.org.
Watch: How safe digging laws protect Ohioans
A copy of today’s Commission finding and order is available on the PUCO website by visiting PUCO.ohio.gov and clicking the link to Docketing Information System and searching for case 25-297-AU-UTC.
