TX 2016 State Damage Prevention Program

Overview

Main Objective

Under this grant agreement, the recipient will: Use the grant to strengthen Element 5: Public Education of its Damage Prevention program. As the enforcement authority for all damage to pipeline facilities caused by excavation, or any other movement of earth, near intrastate pipeline facilities, the Commission plans to use this grant funding to enhance its capabilities targeted outreach activities aimed at licensed plumbers and electricians across the state. These funds would allow the RRC to further leverage the increased capabilities of the agency's Communications Division to implement a more robust and targeted educational outreach initiative and promote public awareness.. Among stakeholders, along with the Texas One Call Board, the Railroad Commission is recognized throughout the state as the organization leading the state's damage prevention efforts; however, the Commission is primarily recognized in that role for its enforcement authority. With grant funding, the Commission will foster its relationship with a specific sub- set of stakeholders: the state's 185,000 licensed plumbers and electricians. The Commission requests $100,000 to address this sub-set of stakeholders as sewer, water, and electric work account for 54 percent of all pipeline damage incidents in Texas. The proposed funding will be used to target licensed plumbers and electricians with educational materials at the time of license renewal, as well as translate the Commission's rules to Spanish allowing a broader dissemination of the Damage Prevention rules. The Commission anticipates that these efforts will reduce by 10 percent pipeline damage prevention incidents caused by plumber or electricians at the conclusion of the grant period.

Public Abstract

Under the terms of this grant agreement, the Recipient will address the following applicable elements listed in the approved application, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. §60134 (a),(b).

• Element 5 (Public Education): A process for fostering and ensuring active participation by all stakeholders in public education for damage prevention activities.

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