Page 21 - Arkansas 811 Magazine 2021 Issue 1

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that the process would be complaint driven should drive more effective communication between the two sides.
Coggins: In other words, before you file a complaint, you’d try to work it out
as opposed to letting claims and legal departments get involved at the very front end.
Author: Can you summarize this bill?
Gowen: Yes, what we are trying to achieve is:
1. A safer community and a safer utility infrastructure that ALL Arkansans can enjoy.
2. Education, education, education. This bill is unique because that is
the priority of our effort. Increase
the education and start changing Arkansas culture as it relates to damage prevention.
3. Fair enforcement for all stakeholders, whether you’re a large utility operator, a small municipality, or an excavator of any size. Where anyone can work through issues and resolves
problems before it leads to a damaged utility.
4. Focus civil penalties on bad actors. It should also be noted that the civil penalties are to go into a special fund that can only be used for education and outreach.
Coggins: I would also state that this approach is not new. As we developed stakeholder input, we also searched
out other states laws on this topic. We found several models that are similar
to what Arkansas is proposing, all of which focuses on Mike’s points. This is an effort to change Arkansas’ culture. You do that by developing partnerships, increasing education and outreach, make the process accessible to anyone and weed out the bad actors. I think we have achieved this and really appreciate all the input our stakeholders have given Arkansas 811. This shows our industry’s commitment to a safer Arkansas.
Author: If the amendment is introduced in the current session and if it should pass, when will it go into effect?
Bryant: It would go into effect Jan 1, 2022.
Author: One last thing... how can folks who are interested learn more about these efforts or provide feedback to the group?
Bryant: The best way would be to email us at digsafely@arkansas811.com. This is the designated email address for all comments or questions regarding this effort. I’d like to encourage anyone to reach out to us and get involved.
In the spirit of transparency, as the draft version becomes final and 811 Magazines receives a copy, it will be published in its entirety.
Arkansas 811 continues to search out opportunities to improve damage prevention efforts in Arkansas. If you have any additional input or thoughts, please contact us. We want to hear from you. Arkansas 811 looks forward to the continued partnerships as we strive
to become a leader in utility damage prevention.
QUALITY PROTECTS.
2021, Issue 1 Arkansas 811 Magazine • 19