Farmers Oppose Bid to Expand Gravel Mining

A Merced County farming family is facing opposition from other local farmers over a proposal to expand a gravel mining operation on its land.

Owners of the Bettencourt Ranch say the land is private property and they should be able to do whatever they want.

“We want a permit, but more than that we believe somebody has to take a stand for private property rights,” said Pat Ferrigno, one of the ranch owners.

But the Merced County Farm Bureau said it could not support Santa Fe Aggregates’ plan to expand its 160-acre gravel mining operation another 419 acres over 40 years.