Massachusetts

As Plymouth County Commissioners recommend slashing budgets by 20 percent and cutting salaries for other officials, the county found one positive piece of economic news — a signed contract for sand and gravel removal far exceeded commissioner estimates. According to The Patriot Ledger, the bid is valued at approximately $750,000. In the meantime, the county budget is expected to drop from $3.2 million in this fiscal year to $2.5 million in fiscal 2010 if the advisory board accepts commissioner recommendations.

Montana

In early May, Gov. Brian Schweitzer signed into law House Bill 678 to revise state laws on gravel pits. Although he signed the legislation, the Associated Press reports that he said he objects to a provision that appears to restrict the public’s right to receive notice and participate in the permitting process of open cut mines — most of which are gravel operations. Schweitzer ordered the state Department of Environmental Quality to implement the bill in a manner that “treats the public notice and public participation requirements of the bill as floors, not ceilings.”

Nevada