Massive BSNF Rail Hub UPDATE key snag in its approval process

Hi Bill, I found the BNSF railroad map online. It does show the line going thru SC into Phoenix, but then it stops. You can see the line going north up thru Flagstaff and beyond east. It could be that most cargo goods may be heading north and east if the map is correct. Phoenix would probably get more goods, but if the hub is to travel more goods thru the U.S. it could be that most trains would be going in another direction. We do need clarity on it from RR company. Also if Hwy. 11 gets trucks off of I-10 heading to hub, that may not be so bad. Less big rigs coming thru I-10 would be good as well. We definitely need to wait and hear from BNSF. We need more information as of today.

 

”22-acre Wastewater Treatment facility. BNSF projects 22,000 vehicle trips per day in and out of the area when the project is at full buildout.”

BNSF Hearing Update
August 2025 Newsletter
Maricopa County, Arizona sent this bulletin on Monday, 08/11/2025

ATTENTION: BNSF hearing will be postponed to November 5th.

(Note: There will be no hearing by the Board of Supervisors on the BNSF issue until November 5th)

BNSF Railway is proposing to build a large railway project in Wittman, NW of Surprise bordering Grand Ave, that will include a 1,770-acre Intermodal facility, a 1,420-acre Logistics Park with warehouses, a 1,109-acre Logistics Center and a 22-acre Wastewater Treatment facility. BNSF projects 22,000 vehicle trips per day in and out of the area when the project is at full buildout.
Railways have federal preemptive rights dating back to the 1800’s, which likely means that BNSF railway could build portions of the project, including the Intermodal Facility without local permitting or zoning approval. It is debatable if the Logistics Center could be built without local permitting and zoning approvals, but it appears clear that the Logistics Park, which includes the warehouses, would need local zoning approval. BNSF Railway has told me that they may proceed with portions of the project, even if the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors denies their zoning request.

If you are in favor of or opposed to this project, I need to hear from you. Please submit your thoughts in writing to: www.Maricopa.gov/ContactLesko. Please provide your address when submitting.

I take your input seriously.
DEBBIE LESKO
Maricopa County
District 4 Supervisor, August 2025
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https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/AZMARIC/bulletins/3ecf8af

 

Just saw on CNBC that Warren Buffett, current owner BNSF has announced that is not interested in buying another railroad, in this case CSX. However, he did announce that he was entering into a partnership with CSX that will provide coast to coast abilities for both railroads. This means that CSX will have the use of BNSF’s rail yards and vice versa.

Wonder what Debbie thinks of this development? Thought you would like to know.

 

This BNSF rail hub faces setback, opposition grows in the West Valley
By Nicole KraseanPublished September 1, 2025 5:15pm MSTMaricopa CountyFOX 10 Phoenix

The Brief
A proposed multi-billion-dollar BNSF rail hub in Wittmann is facing strong opposition from West Valley residents, who are concerned about long-term impacts on health, air quality, and property values.

The project has hit a snag in its approval process, with a key vote by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors possibly delayed after the company reportedly missed a zoning application deadline.

The project, which has faced significant local opposition, is reportedly hitting a key snag in its approval process.

MORE, read or view story: https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/bnsf-rail-hub-faces-setback-opposition-grows-west-valley