On behalf of the 450 members of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA), I am writing to express our strong support for H.R. 3195, a bill to rescind Public Land Order 7917, to reinstate mineral leases and permits in the Superior National Forest, to ensure timely review of Mine Plans of Operations and for other purposes. This legislation aims to reverse the mineral withdrawal in Northern Minnesota and reinstate the longstanding mining leases that were terminated as a part of the 20-year ban. NSSGA proudly represents the nation’s aggregates industry, which conducts over 9,000 operations and employs over 100,000 citizens annually that create 2.5 billion tons of aggregates each year. Reinstating the mining leases in Northern Minnesota will allow for the creation of hundreds of highpaying jobs and millions of dollars in economic investment, which would revitalize communities in the region. The legislation would facilitate improvements in infrastructure, education and public services that would have a lasting positive impact on the lives of local residents.