Overview
The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians has agreed to purchase the Liberty Quarry land south of Temecula from Granite Construction, ending a long-standing dispute over the proposed mining project. The deal includes land acquisition and a settlement, as well as mutual commitments regarding future land use.
Details of the Agreement
- Pechanga Tribe will purchase 354 acres of Liberty Quarry land from Granite Construction for $3 million.
- A separate settlement agreement requires Pechanga to pay Granite $17.35 million to resolve the dispute.
- The agreement ends the proposed Liberty Quarry mining project in Riverside County.
- Granite Construction will not own or operate a quarry within six miles north and three miles south of the property through 2035.
- Pechanga will provide input on potential impacts to tribal historic and cultural resources at other possible Granite aggregate sites outside the restricted area for the next 23 years.
- The deal is described as a historic accord that amicably resolves the land use dispute.
Statements from Stakeholders
- Pechanga Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro emphasized the land's cultural and spiritual importance and the return of historic territory to the tribe.
- Granite President and CEO James H. Roberts expressed satisfaction with the equitable resolution and reaffirmed Granite’s commitment to the local region.
Cultural and Community Impact
- The purchased land is of significant historic, cultural, and spiritual value to the Pechanga and Luiseno peoples.
- The agreement is intended to preserve this land for future generations.
Decisions
- Pechanga will purchase Liberty Quarry land, ending the mining project.
- Granite Construction agrees to quit quarry operations in designated zones until 2035.
Action Items
- TBD – Pechanga Tribe: Provide input on impacts to tribal cultural resources at future Granite sites outside the restricted area.
- TBD – Granite Construction: Honor the agreement not to pursue quarry operations within the specified radius through 2035.