WHEREAS, the safe and reliable delivery of utility services, including water, natural gas, wastewater, electricity, and telecommunications, is essential to the health, safety, and well-being of the Commonwealth; and 

WHEREAS, damage to underground utility infrastructure during excavation can result in service disruptions, environmental harm, personal injury, and significant economic costs, making safe digging practices essential; and 

WHEREAS, Virginia 811 helps prevent such damage by notifying participating utility operators of planned excavation activities when homeowners and contractors contact 811 before digging; and 

WHEREAS, National 811 Day, observed annually on August 11, promotes awareness of safe digging practices and the shared responsibility of homeowners, contractors, excavators, utility operators, and residents to protect underground infrastructure and public safety;  

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize August 11, 2026, as VIRGINIA 811 DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens