Local sources of aggregate are of prime importance to development activities, from building houses to maintaining the transportation system. Aggregate resources need to be protected so that development does not infringe upon them and prevent extraction. Aggregate extraction also creates significant nuisances and puts at risk other natural systems, if not appropriately managed.
Aggregate resources in the region, particularly in the Twins Cities is rapidly diminishing. Stearns County recognizes these trends and the growing demand for mining operations in the area. There is a desire to preserve these resources for local economic development initiatives and public works projects. Accessing these resources locally can reduce the costs for local construction projects, compared to shipping resources from outside of the region.