WASHINGTON--Government and industry officials, including a majorinsurer, today launched 811, a new national 3-digit telephonenumber that can be called prior to excavation work to avoid hittinga gas line or other utility.

The system was kicked off with a "Call Before They Dig" ceremonyon the National Mall.

Today's event also commenced a national excavation industrycampaign that includes Public Service Announcements, local eventsand an educational Web site (www.call811.com) to encourage allAmericans to call before they begin any digging activity, either ata construction site or on their own property, to ensure the workcan be accomplished safely.

In comments during the ceremony, Todd Bateson, president ofTravelers Construction, said "Travelers has been dedicated todelivering risk management solutions for more than 100 years."

Mr. Bateson said the 811 message will be included in Travelers'billing statements, newsletters and on Web sites, which reach morethan three million individuals, "in the hopes that everyone,whether contractor or homeowner, will call before they dig."

Other groups participating at the press conference todayincluded the Common Ground Alliance, U.S. Secretary ofTransportation Mary Peters and the Federal CommunicationsCommission.

Representatives of other national launch partners participatingin the ceremony included the Associated General Contractors ofAmerica, John Deere and Cox Communications.

"Now that there is a single number to call, any time, there's noexcuse for putting lives at risk by striking a utility line," saidMs. Peters. "If 911 is the number you call to report emergencies,811 is the number to call to prevent them."

The 811 number was designated by the FCC in 2005 at thedirection of an Act of Congress in 2002. Its creation was supportedby more than fifteen industry stakeholder groups who encouraged itsdevelopment and creation and now promote its use nationwide,according to officials of the CGA.