(a) Adoption of Best Practices.—
The Secretary of Transportation shall encourage States, operators of one-call notification programs, excavators (including all government and contract excavators), and underground facility operators to adopt and implement practices identified in the best practices report entitled “Common Ground”, as periodically updated.
(b) Technical Assistance.—
The Secretary shall provide technical assistance to and participate in programs sponsored by a non-profit organization specifically established for the purpose of reducing construction-related damage to underground facilities.
(c) Grants.—
(1) In general.—
The Secretary may make grants to a non-profit organization described in subsection (b).
(Added Pub. L. 105–178, title VII, § 7302(a), June 9, 1998, 112 Stat. 480; amended Pub. L. 107–355, § 2(c)(1), Dec. 17, 2002, 116 Stat. 2985.)