Gila Herald Staff Reports
SAFFORD — The City of Safford Utilities Department has been awarded a $33,341 Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to expand local natural gas safety education and infrastructure protection.
The grant is 100% federally funded and requires zero matching funds from local ratepayers.
Safford was chosen through a competitive national grant cycle and was highlighted in the USDOT’s national press release announcing this year’s pipeline safety investments across the country.
Interactive “Hazard Hamlet” Simulator
The federal funding will launch the Safford Pipeline Safety and Public Awareness Enhancement Initiative, directed by the Safford Gas Division.
As part of the initiative, the department will acquire a state-of-the-art, interactive “Hazard Hamlet” safety simulator. The mobile simulator will be deployed at local schools and community events across the Gila Valley to give residents, students, and local contractors hands-on education in safe digging practices, line encroachment rules, and recognizing natural gas hazards.
The initiative will also expand local public outreach regarding the 811 “Call Before You Dig” damage-prevention program.
Independent Funding for Local Priorities
City officials noted that securing full federal funding lets the municipal utility elevate public safety education without affecting local operating budgets.
“Ensuring the safety of our residents and our underground infrastructure is our top priority,” said Jeff Low, Utilities Director for the City of Safford. “This federal funding allows us to take a highly proactive, interactive approach to educating our community and local contractors about pipeline safety, completely independent of our local operating budget.”
For more information on the City of Safford’s natural gas safety initiatives or the 811 program, contact the City of Safford Utilities Department at (928) 432-4200 or visit cityofsafford.us.
