WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09) joined Congressmen David Rouzer (NC-07) in introducing a bipartisan resolution to designate April 18th, 2024 as National Lineman Appreciation Day and recognize the more than 115,000 hardworking men and women maintaining America’s electrical infrastructure.
Cosponsored by nearly twenty-five Members of Congress, the resolution highlights the critical work done by linemen to keep the public safe and protect our nation’s power supply every day since the first transmission line was constructed in 1889.
Congressman Hudson said, “Our nation’s electrical linemen serve as a frontline response to natural disasters, reconnecting Americans in the wake of storm, fires, floods, and in the case of our region, physical attacks on our power grid. I am proud to honor these brave heroes for their dedication and tireless efforts to keep the power flowing and protect the safety of our communities.”
Congressman Rouzer said, “When natural disasters hit Southeastern North Carolina, it’s the brave lineworkers who operate in dangerous conditions to safely restore power and build our communities back as quickly as possible. These hard-working men and women deserve our thanks for navigating any obstacle with skill and determination to keep the lights on in communities across the country.”
Dr. John Enamait, President of Stanly Community College, said, “Stanly Community College is committed to enhancing the local workforce by offering targeted training and skill development initiatives for our region’s students. As leaders in education and workforce development, we are steadfast in our mission to strengthen the pipeline of electrical lineworkers. Through curriculum design and strategic collaborations with partners such as the City of Albemarle and Duke Energy, we empower our students to pursue fulfilling careers in the high-demand electrical utility sector. We fully support an initiative to honor the unsung heroes who brave heights and dangerous conditions to maintain, repair, and safeguard our electrical infrastructure, ensuring our communities stay connected and safe.”
John Kester, Dean of Engineering & Trades, Richmond Community College, said, “We started our Electric Lineman program in the fall of 2018 to provide industry recognized training that would put people on the fast track to much needed jobs in our state. We make safety a priority in our program, and our students know that this is more than just a job. It’s a brotherhood, where each looks out for the other. Since its inception, the Electric Lineman program at Richmond Community College has graduated three classes a year, bringing over 60 new linemen into the workforce. We are proud of our lineman graduates and the impact they have on our country’s infrastructure.”
This resolution supports the designation of April 18 as National Lineman Appreciation Day, recognizing the efforts and courage of linemen in keeping the power on and protecting public safety; the remarkable contributions to the approximately 155 million electricity customers in America; the personal, family, and professional tradition of the trade; and the lineman’s role as a first responder following natural disasters.
