WHEREAS:   Thousands of times each year, the underground infrastructure in Kansas is damaged by those who fail to contact 811 to have underground lines located prior to digging, resulting in service interruption, environmental damage, and threats to public safety; and

WHEREAS:   In 2005, the Federal Communications Commission designated 811 to provide contractors and homeowners with a simple number to contact utility operators to request the location of underground lines at the intended dig site; and

WHEREAS:   Kansas 811 provides one point of contact, available by phone and online to help reduce damages to underground facilities, thereby reducing the loss of service to the public and the loss of time and money to contractors, utilities, and taxpayers; and

WHEREAS:  Black Hills Energy maintains its commitment to educate the public about safe digging practices and encourage compliance with local and state safe digging rules and regulations; and

WHEREAS:   Damage prevention is a shared responsibility. By using safe digging practices, Goodland contractors and homeowners can save time, money, and help keep Kansas infrastructure safe and connected; now

THEREFORE, I, Aaron Thompson, Mayor of the City of Goodland, Kansas, do hereby proclaim August 11, 2023 as 811 Day in Goodland, Kansas to encourage everyone to call 811 before they dig. It’s safe, it’s free, and it’s the law.

In witness thereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of CITY OF GOODLAND to be affixed this 7^th day of August in the year of Two Thousand and Twenty-Three.

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Aaron Thompson, Mayor