Volume 4 Issue 1

The Modernization of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act: Is it Necessary?

Written by Crystal Howard.

Mining is an essential part of California’s economy and history. The state’s mineral wealth was responsible for its rapid growth and continued development. Regulation of the state’s mining industry began in 1975 with the adoption of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA). A number of amendments have strengthened its protections, but increased regulatory burdens have raised the bar for access to all but the largest producers.

How Mining Made California

Written by Crystal Howard

Mining has been an important part of California’s economy and history for generations. The California Gold Rush propelled San Francisco from a 200-resident settlement in 1846 to a boomtown of about 36,000 by 1852. As a result, California became the center of global imagination and a desirable destination for hundreds of thousands of people. From an economy that was too small to measure before the Gold Rush, California is now the eighth ranking economy in the world and mining has been there to support its growth from the beginning.

San Diego County’s Recommended Budget Sets Expectation For Future Transportation and Infrastructure Spending

Written by Alyssa Burley.

San Diego County’s Fiscal Year 2015-2016 recommended budget was introduced on May 5, 2015 to the Board of Supervisors by Chief Administrative Office Helen Robbins-Meyers.

According to the San Diego County News Center, within the budget, $58.7 million is allocated towards transportation and infrastructure projects:

  • $24 million – Maintaining Roads
  • $13.3 million – Road Reconstruction and Improvements
  • $1.3 million – New Sidewalks and Pathways
  • $1.8 million – Traffic Signal Improvements
  • $6.6 million – Intersection Improvements
  • $3.2 million – Drainage Improvements
  • $8.5 million – Ensure County Bridges Remain Structurally Sound and Safe

This means the region will need to ensure local construction aggregates supplies are available for these projects.

San Diego Regional Plan Requires Substantial Construction Aggregate Resources

Written by Alyssa Burley.

On April 24, 2015, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) released its draft San Diego Forward: The Regional Plan (Draft Regional Plan) for public comment. The Draft Regional Plan combines the Regional Comprehensive Plan (RCP) adopted in July 2004 with the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) adopted in October 2011, into one comprehensive document.

San Diego Debates Minimum Wage Increases

At a recent Leaders of Change luncheon hosted by The North San Diego Chamber and partnered with the San Diego Regional EDC, San Diego County Taxpayer Association, San Diego Workforce Partnership® and KPBS, the minimum wage debate continued. The panel discussed the impact a minimum wage increase would have on San Diego’s economy. The event was held on October 7, 2014 at Sony Electronics, Inc. in Rancho Bernardo.