Written by Alyssa Burley.
Project Cornerstone is a San Diego-based grassroots organization, dedicated to educating the public about the importance of local construction aggregate resources (i.e., sand, gravel and crushed stone). The organization is a result of San Diego-based construction aggregate producers identifying the need to educate the public that local supplies of aggregate are critical for cost effective infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and other public works projects. In addition, a sustainable permitted supply of construction aggregate is essential to maintain the quality-of-life the public has come to expect.
In order to increase awareness about the importance of local construction aggregates, Project Cornerstone offers educational programs including field trips to mining sites and in-class activities, as well as community outreach through presentations about the industry for local clubs and organizations.
The construction aggregates industry is essential for San Diego County. Currently, locally permitted aggregate supplies are insufficient to meet the demand for these materials within the County. To satisfy demand, material is imported from sources outside of the County resulting in increased construction costs, green house gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled by truck traffic. San Diego County has sufficient construction aggregate resources to satisfy demand; by permitting these local supplies, the environmental impacts caused by imports can be eliminated.
“Construction aggregate is an essential raw material for San Diego County,” said Crystal Howard, executive director of Project Cornerstone, Inc. “Unfortunately, we do not have sufficient permitted supplies within the County to satisfy our needs and we are forced to import from outside the area. We have to look at the big picture. Local supplies create jobs, reduce costs and cut down on truck traffic and air emissions.”
Education about the construction aggregates industry is vital to San Diego County. Project Cornerstone endeavors to educate students, community members, public agencies and policy makers about the benefits of developing local construction aggregate sources. They are the cornerstone of our communities. Locally produced aggregates provide high paying jobs, reduce the cost of construction, and reduce congestion and air pollution by eliminating truck miles traveled.
Project Cornerstone’s Inaugural Golf Tournament fundraiser is scheduled for November 21st, 2014 at Pala Mesa Resort in Fallbrook, CA. Attendees and sponsors will be supporting the educational and community outreach programs designed to inform community members, public agencies and policy makers that local mineral resources are the cornerstone of our communities.
To learn more about Project Cornerstone or become a member, visit www.project-cornerstone.org.
Alyssa Burley is the community outreach and marketing manager for EnviroMINE, Inc. and the director of marketing and community outreach for Project Cornerstone, Inc.