Designating the month of April 2024 as "Safe Digging Month" in Pennsylvania.
Impact
The bill reaffirms the importance of the Underground Utility Line Protection Law enacted in 1974, which safeguards public health and safety during excavation activities. By encouraging notifications to Pennsylvania 811, the resolution aims to prevent injuries, property damage, and utility outages, significantly impacting construction and excavation practices across the state. The anticipation is that raising awareness will lead to better compliance and safety in various communities.
Summary
Senate Resolution 269 (SR269) designates April 2024 as 'Safe Digging Month' in Pennsylvania. This resolution is aimed at promoting safety for excavators, homeowners, and facility owners by encouraging them to notify Pennsylvania 811 at least three business days prior to any excavation. The underlying mission of this effort is to prevent damage to underground facilities and enhance public safety by facilitating communication among project owners and utility operators.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding SR269 appears to be positive, with bipartisan support likely translating into public awareness regarding safe digging practices. Legislators and the Pennsylvania 811 initiative emphasize that safety is a collective responsibility, reflecting a proactive approach to preserving vital infrastructure. Such initiatives resonate well with the public, who rely on utilities for essential services.
Contention
While SR269 itself does not seem to present significant points of contention, discussions around it highlight the ongoing need for public knowledge in areas of safety and construction practices. Advocates for the resolution emphasize that safe digging is crucial for preventing costly damages and ensuring the wellbeing of workers and residents. The focus on education and communication is pivotal to the resolution's intent.
Providing for the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System, the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System and the Green Alert System and for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police; assessing costs; providing for immunity and penalties; and making a repeal.
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study and establish an advisory committee to determine the impact on Pennsylvania taxpayers of Pennsylvania State Police full or partial police services for municipalities that do not maintain full police coverage.
Authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Susquehanna Regional Transportation Authority certain lands situate in the City of Harrisburg, Dauphin County; authorizing the transfer of an easement interest in lands for a portion of the Project 70 lands owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, known as Lake Winola Access, in Overfield Township, Wyoming County, to the Department of Transportation; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, to convey to Tioga County a tract of land, and to accept a tract of land from Tioga County, both tracts being located in Charleston Township, Tioga County; and authorizing the Department of General Services, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with the approval of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Governor, to grant and convey to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, solely for the use of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, a parcel in Lehigh Township, Carbon County, in exchange for a tract partly in Nesquehoning Borough and partly in Lehigh Township, Carbon County, to be conveyed to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting by and through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and added to Lehigh Gorge State Park.