Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-February 22, 2007

New Mexico One Call Announces 811 Implementation

ALBUQUERQUE –New Mexico One Call (NMOC), the statewide call-before-you-dig service, is pleased to announce that the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission has ruled to implement the federally-mandated 8-1-1 number ahead of the April 13 deadline. NMOC is now able to receive 811 directed calls. By state law, any person who uses a mechanical excavating device is required to call before digging to have utilities located in order to avoid damaging a line. New Mexico One Call provides this free service for the entire state.

“The Common Ground Alliance commends New Mexico One Call for their commitment to underground damage prevention safety by implementing 811,” said Bob Kipp, Common Ground Alliance Executive Director.

On March 10, 2005, the Federal Communications Commission approved the use of 811 as a national call-before-you-dig telephone number as a result of one call centers’ requests throughout the United States.  This simple, easy-to-remember number will connect those intending to dig with their respective One Call Centers.  Previously, callers to New Mexico One Call would use either a local Albuquerque number or a statewide 1-800 number.

“New Mexico has taken a proactive approach by working to be one of the first states to implement the national 811 number,” stated Bruno Carrara, New Mexico Pipeline Safety Bureau Chief. “This effort represents ongoing cooperation between several entities including wireless and other telecommunication carriers, the Public Regulation Commission, utilities and fiber optic companies throughout New Mexico.”

For more information regarding 811, please visit www.Call811.com.  For more information on New Mexico One Call please visit www.nmonecall.org.