The purpose of the Damage Prevention grants is to establish comprehensive state programs designed to prevent damage to underground pipelines in states that do not have such programs and to improve damage prevention programs in states that do. States are encouraged to implement the following nine elements of an effective damage prevention program: Element 1 ¿ Enhanced Communication between Operators and Excavators Element 2 ¿ Fostering Support and Partnership of all Stakeholders Element 3 ¿ Operator¿s Use of Performance Measures for Locators Element 4 ¿ Partnership in Employee Training Element 5...

Eligible Applicants (Varies by Program) Any state authority (or municipality with respect to intrastate gas transportation) that is or will be responsible for preventing damage to underground pipeline facilities is eligible as long as 1) the state participates in the oversight of pipeline transportation pursuant to an annual 49 U.S.C. §60105 certification or 49 U.S.C. §60106 agreement in effect with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and 2) is designated by the state's governor, in writing, as the eligible recipient of the grant funding.

RICHARD YIRENKYI richard.yirenkyi@dot.gov