To the municipalities and parish governments who own or operate underground utilities who are not current members of Louisiana 811, we would like to share with you some valuable information about our non-profit organization and the potential benefits of membership. This is especially important today in our damage prevention efforts.
With so much broadband work around the great state of Louisiana, it can be extremely difficult to navigate and comprehend where internet service providers (ISP’s) will be installing fiber optic cable. ConnectLA has an excellent website to help understand the “when” and “where” but there is so much more involved for municipalities and parish governments.
You folks who own/operate underground infrastructure in these areas have a multitude of issues to navigate through before, during, and after the construction phase; especially in light that most of the fiber optic cable will be buried. This is where having a resource like Louisiana 811 can help.
Membership in Louisiana 811 is certainly not a cure all when addressing the complexities of massive projects like GUMBO 1.0 and 2.0 but it can have its advantages. For instance, who else has the resources that can assist as the liaison between the contractors (folks installing the fiber optic cable) and the owner/operators of underground utilities? Louisiana 811 has field personnel who know of vitally important meetings (such as utility coordinating councils) whereby information is exchanged before construction commences. The field personnel can also assist in setting up meetings during the project and help resolve misunderstandings between the parties. Furthermore, we can provide key information for enforcement personnel who proactively look for violators of the Louisiana Underground Utilities & Facilities Damage Prevention
Law commonly referred to as the Dig Law.
As a member of Louisiana 811, you will be assured to receive notice prior to the underground utility construction assuming the ISP contractor is abiding by the law. Currently, non-members must rely on the excavator to reach out to you directly before digging. The assumption is that the excavator will contact you! Oftentimes, these ISP’s utilize out-ofstate contractors who may not be aware that Louisiana does not have “unified” membership meaning every underground utility operator is a member of Louisiana 811. When this happens, and it often does, the municipality or parish government has no idea that excavation will be occurring in their area.
We also understand that many municipalities either lack detailed maps indicating the exact location of their underground assets and/or do not have the personnel to physically locate their facilities. It can be extremely frustrating managing these large projects. Although Louisiana cannot assist with these issues, we can provide some insights into possible remedies.
History has proven that Louisiana 811 members have benefited over the years leaning on and utilizing us as a resource. We have been in business since the late 1970’s and we have, and will continue to be, the voice of our members.
In closing, our intent is not to sell anyone on the value of membership in Louisiana 811…that is for you to decide. We are merely pointing out that membership has its benefits, and we want to be a resource for you. Signing up to be a member is easy and we are proud that we have one of the lowest costs per ticket in the nation (currently $0.80 per ticket) plus a very reasonable annual fee ($100 per member code). We notify you, the member, of excavation in your area based on your defined service area and it can be refined at any time.
Please do not hesitate to contact me (brent@louisiana811.com) should you have any questions. I would be more than happy to discuss further how we operate, and the minimal cost associated with membership. I can also put you in contact with some of our existing municipal members so you can hear first-hand why they became members and the all-important results.
