Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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. Â鶹ÊÓƵ of America hosted the Common Ground Alliance's Best Practices Committee, One Call Systems International (OCSI) Committee and Board of Directors meeting at Â鶹ÊÓƵ's national headquarters August 6-8.Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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.Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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 Â鶹ÊÓƵ's efforts with CGA.For more information and to participate in Â鶹ÊÓƵ's CGA liaison efforts contact Perry Fowler at fowlerp@agc.org or (703) 837-5321.
The American Public Works Association (APWA)-Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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 Â鶹ÊÓƵ Vic Weston (Tri-State Road Boring Inc., Baton Rouge, LA) and Louisiana Â鶹ÊÓƵ 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.