March 27, 2024 (MARIETTA, Ga) -- Cobb County Department of Transportation’s Road Maintenance Division received statewide attention today when they were presented with the Golden Backhoe Award and the Lester E. Feathers Damage Prevention Award at the Georgia Utilities Coordinating Council’s (GUCC) annual conference in Jekyll Island, Georgia.

The GUCC aims to improve damage prevention throughout Georgia through coordination, cooperation, and communication. Each year, the GUCC selects one utility agency from within each of its seven districts that has demonstrated a commitment to safe digging practices as the recipient of the Golden Backhoe Award. Additionally, one team that has gone above and beyond in their commitment to safety is presented with the Lester E. Feathers Award.

The Road Maintenance Division of Cobb County DOT has been recognized by the GUCC for its attention to safety, winning the Region 7 Golden Backhoe Award and the Lester E. Feathers Award for the 2023 calendar year.

“Being recognized with the “Lester Feathers” Award holds immense significance for both myself and my team,” said Road Maintenance Division Manager Dallas Cain. “This recognition highlights our unwavering dedication to promoting good safe digging practices, a fundamental aspect of our operations. It serves as validation of our collective efforts in prioritizing safety within our division and underscores our commitment to excellence in every aspect of our work.”

Every year, utility providers from each district submit award nominations to the GUCC Safety Committee, which then selects award recipients based on many factors, including safety record, total damages, and other work-related criteria.

“Receiving these awards not only acknowledges our accomplishments but also motivates us to continue striving for excellence in safety practices," Cain said. "It reinforces the importance of our ongoing efforts to maintain a culture of safety within our team and encourages us to further enhance our initiatives in this regard.”