Please Support Our Future!

Memphis Stone & Gravel Company has operated its North Plant facility near Arlington since the early 1970s and has been in Shelby County for 100 years!  But within the next few years the resources that supply this facility will be exhausted.  Our other major source in Desoto County should be depleted even sooner!  These are two major material sources for the entire Memphis Metro construction market.  We do have a solution- a new source of similar high quality aggregate near Rosemark and Atoka in North Shelby County. This source of high quality materials will continue the same availability of materials our customers expect for 15 to 20 years into the future.  However, some are trying to stop this project and we believe that is irresponsible management of our natural resources.

Why Should You Care?

If we do not get this resource permitted, costs will go up in this construction market for all citizens of Shelby County.  Although some people might not want an aggregate operation nearby, our society requires these resources be developed. Dr. John Gnuschke, Economics Professor at the University of Memphis confirms the many negative consequences of losing high quality sand and gravel deposits. Please consider the following: 

• Cost of Sand and gravel is a factor in just about every construction project

• Locally produced sand and gravel by multiple competitors keeps PRICES low and QUALITY high

• The only alternative available at this scale and quality we have is in Tate County, MS. Transportation cost increases of 150% can be expected for many of our Shelby County customers from this location. As fuel prices go higher it will get worse!

• Everyone pays for higher construction costs. From 2005-2009, Memphis Stone & Gravel Company estimates it has supplied over half of all concrete aggregate used in the Shelby County market area. When this is disrupted, there will be an effect to the market and that will mean higher costs for businesses and tax payers. 

Here are reasons why it is WRONG to deny this application:

• It is unfair to create a financial burden for businesses and other citizens in Shelby County  because a group of people does not want something in their backyard. 

• Studies have shown that the additional truck traffic increases regional fuel consumption, traffic congestion, vehicular accident rates, road degradation and it negatively affects air quality 

• This material has to come from somewhere and it will be impossible to meet a subjective standard of pleasing everyone. Memphis Stone & Gravel Company has operated for many years at its present location in Shelby County and the new mine is only 3.5 miles away in a very similar farming area. Why is it ok in one area and not the other? Based upon the Office of Planning and Development’s technical and legal analysis, Memphis Stone & Gravel Company will meet all the standards of the ordinance and should be allowed to stay in business in Shelby County.

• Memphis Stone & Gravel Company is a good corporate citizen and actively works with civic groups and schools throughout the City of Memphis. Their actions have also been supportive to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises in areas where they do business.

How to Help Us

Use the form below to contact the Shelby County Commission Members and voice your support!

Tell them that you support lower construction costs, jobs,  and a good  source of local building materials for all citizens of Shelby County!