Press Release Representative Mike Hager

House Majority Whip House District 112

Phone Number: 919-733-5749 Room 304A N.C. House of Representatives Raleigh, NC 27603

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: February 04, 2014 Representative Mike Hager awarded 2013 Carolinas AGC Pinnacle Award
RALEIGH On February 1, 2014, Carolinas AGC (CAGC) bestowed the 2013 Pinnacle Awardsthe most prestigious recognition in the Carolinas construction industryto five projects and an individual. The Pinnacle Awards shine a light on our profession in a ver y public way, and exemplify CAGCs very reason for existence: Advancing the construction industry to enhance the quality of life and deliver a sustainable difference in the Carolinas. Representative Mike Hager (R-Rutherford) was awarded the Build With The Best Pinnacle Award for House Bill 476, Rewrite Underground Damage Prevention Act. Rep. Hager and numerous industry stakeholders worked together for over a year to develop a plan to enhance public safety and prevent underground damage. They accomplished that by constructing legislation that will improve public/workforce safety and protect underground utility lines. The driving force of developing legislation was a fatal accident in Iredell County in which an excavator hit an underground electrical line that was not properly marked. Prior to House Bill 476, North Carolina was among the weakest in the nation for underground safety and prevention laws, lacking basic guidelines, practices and standards necessary to ensure public/workforce safety and the integrity of vital facilities. Carolinas AGC, whose goal for years was to enhance public workforce safety, says this bill could be a model state program. House Bill 476 sets forth each stakeholders responsibilities in the 811 call before you dig process, from project design/planning to finish. It draws from Common Ground Alliance "best practices," other state laws, industry standards and brings North Carolina's underground safety law up-to-date, and in line with the USDOTs Nine Elements of an Effective State Safety & Damage Prevention Program. It is such an honor to receive this award tonight said Rep. Hager. Thank you to Carolina s AGC, one of many key players in the development and success of the bill. House Bill 476 is a great example of government and business working together for the health and wellbeing of our citizens. ###