News from the Senate Majority
Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

Bill Establishes Standards for Underground Facilities

For Immediate Release: April 14, 1998 Contact: Senator Loren Leman at 465-2095.

Juneau –The Senate Tuesday unanimously passed legislation to establish standards and responsibilities for construction projects that involve locating and excavating near underground facilities such as gas and power lines, sewer and water lines, and fiber optic cables.

Senator Loren Leman (R-Anchorage) is the Chairman of the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, which sponsored Senate Bill 330. Leman said this legislation addresses conflicts that develop between utility owners and underground contractors when work on or near underground facilities results in damages. These conflicts arise because state law provides no real guidelines that clearly delineate the responsible party if damage to underground facilities occurs, what those responsibilities entail, and the penalties that will be applied.

"When a contractor breaks a water or power line, it can be dangerous to the public and cause great inconveniences to homeowners and contractors," Leman said. "Senate Bill 330 will help reduce these damages by providing guidelines for excavators, construction project owners and underground facility owners. These guidelines will reduce conflicts and careless mistakes."

The Alaska Telephone Association, Alaska Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Associated General Contractors, Alaska Public Utilities Commission and the Anchorage Homebuilders Association all provided input on the methodology for establishing state standards under SB 330.

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