Jack and Tricia Gardella and The Resource Exploration and Drilling Company proposed the project that will mine over 55 million tons of crushed rock over a 75-year period. The mined rock would be used for road construction, railroad track ballast and other industrial uses.

Over the last couple of months the project has drawn criticism from Oakdale and Riverbank officials who are concerned their towns will suffer the brunt of the endeavor while Tuolumne County receives the benefits.

The county added conditions to the project that included meeting with the stakeholders of Riverbank and Oakdale and limiting the train hours of operation and car length.

Look for more information regarding this story in the April 13, 2011 edition of The Leader.