51·çÁ÷ is dedicated to working with the Common Ground Alliance ( CGA) to ensure public safety, environmental protection, and the integrity of services by promoting effective damage prevention practices. 51·çÁ÷ of America hosted the Common Ground Alliance's Best Practices Committee, One Call Systems International (OCSI) Committee and Board of Directors meeting at 51·çÁ÷'s national headquarters August 6-8.51·çÁ÷ scored a major victory in the form of a new best practice which would require facility operators to be members of regional one call centers. Membership in regional call notification centers by underground facility operators ensures that potential conflicts, safety and risk allocation are a shared responsibility by facility operators and contractors. This best practice was adopted by committee and voted on favorably the Board of Directors and will be included in the CGA's new Best Practices Guide.51·çÁ÷ members Vic Weston (Tri-State Road Boring Inc., Baton Rouge, LA), Kris Young (Miller The Driller, Des Moines, IA) and Bradford Barringer ( BRS Inc., Richfield, NC) have been leading 51·çÁ÷'s efforts with CGA.For more information and to participate in 51·çÁ÷'s CGA liaison efforts contact Perry Fowler at fowlerp@agc.org or (703) 837-5321.
The American Public Works Association (APWA)-51·çÁ÷ Joint Committee met on August 17 in New Orleans, LA. Committee Chairman Mike Murphy (Turner Murphy Co., Rock Hill, SC) co-chaired the meeting with APWA’s Richard Ridings (HNTB, Austin, TX).The joint committee discussed the status of federal legislation for infrastructure, construction material inflation, and how our respective organizations can work together to educate the public on infrastructure needs.Treasurer of Louisiana 51·çÁ÷ Vic Weston (Tri-State Road Boring Inc., Baton Rouge, LA) and Louisiana 51·çÁ÷ CEO Ken Naquin also attended, along with APWA National President Noel Thomas and Executive Director Peter King.For additional information please contact Perry L. Fowler at (703) 837-5321 or fowlerp@agc.org.