Mining companies that produce construction aggregate have been pushing for years for a law that changes who approves permits for their operations. Now, they're trying again. Bills that would let the state, rather than townships, issue the permits for sand and gravel mining were introduced yesterday [WED].
The companies say many townships refuse to issue the permits, which drives up road-building costs. Judy Allen is with the Michigan Township Association. She says the opposite is true. She says most townships routinely approve permits, with reasonable restrictions.
"The communities work with the operator, and this takes that completely out of the process.", said Allen.
Construction unions and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce support the bills. Environmental groups including the Sierra Club and Clean Water Action oppose the bills.
