Protecting and Promoting Your Interests

MAA Letter to Governor Whitmer RE: Michigan’s Aggregate Industry is a Critical Need Sector of our Economy

MAA members,

As we continue to navigate these days filled with uncertainty and questions, I wanted to share with you the enclosed letter that was sent to Governor Whitmer this afternoon informing her about the vital role that Michigan’s aggregate industry plays in our economy.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to give me a call.

Doug Needham

517-896-6186 cell

March 20, 2020
 
The Honorable Gretchen Whitmer
Governor of Michigan
George W. Romney Building
111 South Capitol Avenue
Lansing, MI 48933-1555
 
RE: Michigan’s Aggregate Industry is a Critical Need Sector of our Economy
 
Dear Governor Whitmer:
 
On behalf of Michigan’s aggregate mining industry, thank you for your aggressive leadership while working to protect state residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.  
 
As a result of discussions in Michigan and other states about what constitutes critical need sectors of our economy, we find it necessary to write to you to be sure you and your team are aware of the essential need for continued operations of the aggregate mining industry.
 
As you know, the natural materials produced by the aggregate industry are critical for public works projects including roads, bridges and energy production.  
 
Lesser known but just as important is the role of aggregates in agriculture, food processing and pharmaceuticals. Products such as limestone derivatives are key ingredients in everything from the production of clean municipal water, medicines, fertilizer and livestock feed, to the baking of bread and other bakery goods.  
 
As you and your staff consider further economic orders that result in the shutdown of sectors of our economy, please be aware of the many, wide-ranging products that the aggregates industry creates as part of the supply-chain of critical need items. 
 
We take the COVID-19 threat very seriously and have taken actions across our industry, as you have directed, ranging from social distancing to placing workers in work-from-home situations. 
 
However, many types of mining and trucking needed to get key aggregate products to market can be done with safety in mind while continuing to serve the critical needs of the food, agriculture, pharmaceutical and infrastructure industries.  
 
We urge you to directly contact me or other industry leaders when considering any additional closures of Michigan industry. We will make ourselves available of communicate 24-hours-per-day, 7-days-per-week to help your office make the best decisions for Michigan residents. 
 
Contact me at any time at 517-896-6186 or at dneedham@miagg.org.
 
Respectfully,

Douglas E. Needham, P.E.
President, Michigan Aggregates Association