Nebraska Regional CGA Underway!

The first Nebraska Regional Common Ground Alliance meeting was held Wednesday, October 18 at the Regency Lodge in Omaha.

An overview of the Common Ground Alliance and Regional Partnerships was presented by Perly Schoville and Mike Shallow with Union Pacific, Dan Maschka with Northern Natural Gas and Harold Winnie from the Department of Transportation, Kansas City.

Following the presentations, the floor was opened up to all present for a round-table discussion focusing upon regional and industry issues involving underground facilities. From these discussions, specific areas of focus were identified as was the need to further pursue an alliance on a regional basis.

Approximately 35 individuals from across the state attended the meeting. Industries represented included: Union Pacific Railroad, Nebraska Department of Roads, Department of Transportation, Northern Natural Gas, NEBCON, Inc., General Excavating, Kinder Morgan, OPPD, City of Omaha, Glenwood Telephone, ELM Locating, Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office, K2 Construction, Aquila, Enterprise Products, Nebraska City Utilities and M.U.D. The event was hosted by Consolidated Utility Services Inc./Nebraska Digger’s Hotline.

The next Regional CGA meeting will be held in Lincoln during the week of November 27. This meeting will be hosted by Jeff Stoolman with Enterprise Products. The meeting is open to anyone interested in participating in the Common Ground Alliance. For further information regarding the Nebraska Regional CGA, please contact Susan Griess at 402-778-3024 - susan.griess@cusinc.com.

The Common Ground Alliance is a National Organization with the mission to ensure public safety, environmental protection, and integration of services by promoting effective damage prevention practices.

If you would like further information regarding the Common Ground Alliance, please visit their website at www.commongroundalliance.com.