The Bureau of Land Management announced a material access program that will allow residents to purchase mineral materials earlier and at a cheaper rate than before.
“Community Pits allow the public to purchase mineral materials such as sand, gravel, and stone through ‘over the counter’ small sales but can also include larger-volume sales,” the Department of the Interior explained on its website. “The intent is to allow non-exclusive open access to mineral materials for the use and benefit of the public.”
The change comes in response to the Trump Administration’s push to make construction materials more affordable for families.
“This program is another example of the Department of the Interior working to cut red tape, lower costs for Americans, and help families and communities get the resources they need to build and maintain essential infrastructure,” said acting Assistant Secretary for Lands and Minerals Management Lanny Erdos in a press release.
Residents are able to purchase materials for cheaper outside of community pits, as well as 150 tons per person or company per year. They have established two tiers for pricing; 0-50 tons of material will cost $400 per transaction for small-scale or personal projects.
“Tier 2, for 51 to 150 tons, sets a flat fee of $1,500 per transaction for local businesses, agricultural operations, infrastructure maintenance, and other material uses,” Erdos said in the press release.
“This new tool [will] help rural families and small businesses better access resources on public lands,” said Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy in the February press release. “With the Community Pits Mapper and streamlined tiered pricing, we’re simplifying requirements and putting clear, mobile‑friendly information at people’s fingertips. These changes lower costs and help communities get projects done—roads repaired, water lines maintained and homes built—without compromising the values we manage on public lands.”
Visit the Department of the Interior website to find a map of the community pits and available materials.
Author: Lainey Porter
Photo courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management
Editor: Hannah Clove
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