*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 46980.doc* SEPARATE STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN MICHAEL K. POWELL RE: Use of N11 Codes and Other Abbreviated Dialing Arrangements, Order, CC Docket No. 92- 105. Damage from excavation activities can cause crippling outages to the nation’s energy supply, communications networks, law enforcement agencies, hospitals, air traffic control operations, emergency response providers, and military bases. The “One Call” system was instituted as a means by which contractors and the public can alert the proper authorities to imminent excavation work, thereby avoiding potential service interruptions and safety hazards. The Congress found “One Call” notifications so integral to public safety that it directed the Commission and the Department of Transportation to establish a single “One Call” number to enhance the system’s effectiveness. Today’s action carries out this Congressional mandate. Better, more efficient communication regarding excavations means saved lives and dollars as well as a more secure homeland, and 811 makes that a reality. I call on industry stakeholders to increase public awareness of the One Call notification system and promote the use of the new nationwide 811 “One Call” number. 1