2017-12-05_PERMIT FILE - M2017049 (62)

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To Whom It May Concern: RECEIVED DEC 0 5 2017 DIVISION OF RECLAMATION MINING AND SAFETY As a member of the Transit Mix family, I write this letter in support of Transit Mix's application to open a quarry on the privately owned Hitch Rack Ranch in southwestern EI Paso County. Transit Mix has long been an integral part of the EI Paso County community and economy. Since 1945 we have proudly provided much of the concrete that built the Air Force Academy, Fort Carson, NORAD, and other iconic structures, as well as countless businesses and private homes. We have been operating locally under the same ownership for more than 60 years. We take pride in being a part of the Colorado Springs and EI Paso County communities, and continue to support local causes through monetary or personal time donations. Transit Mix needs a new quarry in EI Paso County. As the years of operation at Pikeview Quarry have increased, so has the number of homes in its vicinity. By looking for a new quarry location, we are making a business decision for the overall good of the community to make our city even more beautiful. The reclamation process cannot be completed when there is no other rock source available to us. In Hitch Rack Ranch we have found the most ideal location for this endeavor. It is more secluded than any other viable site within economical range of Colorado Springs, with only 13 residences within one mile of its permit boundary. In comparison, there are 1500 residences within one mile of the Pikeview Quarry. In addition, unlike Pikeview, the quarry would only be minimally visible from any public road. The quarry would be a very small portion of a very large piece of private property, disturbing only 239 acres of the 1,432 acres total. I understand that the quarry has been designed to minimize impacts to water resources and wildlife. The existing water resources in the Little Turkey Creek drainage are controlled by the creek, and these creek flows will continue during and after mining. By staying south of Little Turkey Creek, wildlife corridors are maintained throughout the operation of the quarry, and the reclamation plan has been specifically designed to create wildlife habitat. A permit for Hitch-Rack"Ranch would not only secure the future of Transit Mix as a business, but also help secure,rhy -futureran'd the futures of the over 200 employees that,are.part of our team. Many of us havetbeen members=ofitFK6'Colorado,S,prings,.P.ueblo and other s.6 rou iding;communities for many years., -Transit,Miz,Goncrete Coni dh s stabili"ty has,afforded me - with both the -ability of taking care of my fam'ily's basic needs,iand also with the small luxuries in'life. For these.reasons:.among others, I urge the-IVlined.Land-Reclamatioh Board to,please approve Transit Mix's application;,not'orily for Colorado Springs, not only for Transit -Mix as a whole, .but for me and my a,. - family. J n Sincerely, i