Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission introduces grants Safe Dig Indiana training

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) announced Tuesday new grants to support training and education programs on underground utility safety practices for local government employees in an expansion of its Safe Dig Indiana program.

Eligible grantees include employees of local government entities, such as counties, towns, and cities, as well as representatives from municipally owned utilities.

“Whether involved in excavation, planning, designing, permitting, or emergency response services, local governments play a key role in the safety of their communities,” IURC Chair Jim Atterholt said. “The goal of this funding is to allow local governments around the state a chance to offer these important training and education opportunities to their employees without having to consider the financial burden.”

Funding for the training system came from the Underground Plant Protection Account
(UPPA), which is funded by the penalties paid by excavators and gas line operators who violate Indiana’s “Call Before You Dig” law.

Before they can complete the online application and receive a grant, local government employees must successfully complete the IURC’s two free online training courses on safe digging practices.