The recent Fresnoland article on the proposed CEMEX mining project in Fresno County raises several important issues but misrepresents the San Joaquin River Conservancy, its role, and its capabilities. … I want to clarify that the Conservancy is a state agency with a clear mission: to develop the San Joaquin River Parkway, to create public access to the river corridor, and conserve lands either owned by the Conservancy or through willing partnerships. Importantly, the Conservancy is neither a political organization nor a regulatory body. It does not govern land use decisions outside of its jurisdiction, nor is it empowered to block private development projects, such as the CEMEX mine.
–Written by Bobby Macaulay, District 5 Supervisor for Madera County and chair of the San Joaquin River Conservancy.