WASHINGTON--Government and industry officials, including a major insurer, today launched 811, a new national 3-digit telephone number that can be called prior to excavation work to avoid hitting a gas line or other utility.

The system was kicked off with a "Call Before They Dig" ceremony on the National Mall.

Today's event also commenced a national excavation industry campaign that includes Public Service Announcements, local events and an educational Web site (www.call811.com) to encourage all Americans to call before they begin any digging activity, either at a construction site or on their own property, to ensure the work can be accomplished safely.

In comments during the ceremony, Todd Bateson, president of Travelers Construction, said "Travelers has been dedicated to delivering risk management solutions for more than 100 years."

Mr. Bateson said the 811 message will be included in Travelers' billing statements, newsletters and on Web sites, which reach more than three million individuals, "in the hopes that everyone, whether contractor or homeowner, will call before they dig."

Other groups participating at the press conference today included the Common Ground Alliance, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters and the Federal Communications Commission.

Representatives of other national launch partners participating in the ceremony included the Associated General Contractors of America, John Deere and Cox Communications.

"Now that there is a single number to call, any time, there's no excuse for putting lives at risk by striking a utility line," said Ms. Peters. "If 911 is the number you call to report emergencies, 811 is the number to call to prevent them."

The 811 number was designated by the FCC in 2005 at the direction of an Act of Congress in 2002. Its creation was supported by more than fifteen industry stakeholder groups who encouraged its development and creation and now promote its use nationwide, according to officials of the CGA.

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