Arizona city votes to oppose BNSF logistics hub near Phoenix

SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Surprise City Council has unanimously approved a resolution opposing BNSF’s plans for a logistics hub in Wittman, Ariz.

At its Tuesday, Oct. 7, meeting, the council approved a resolution saying it “cannot support the development … unless it proceeds in a manner that clearly prioritizes public safety, quality of life, and long-term sustainability for Surprise, its residents, and the residents of the adjacent community,” and that it opposes the current plan “due to the substantial unmitigated risks and the undue burden it would place on the City of Surprise infrastructure, public health, and public safety services.” (The resolution begins on page 407 of the council meeting packet.)

BNSF announced plans in June 2024 for the 4,321-acre, $3.2 billion Logistics Park Phoenix in northwest Maricopa County, about 35 miles northwest of Phoenix, near the unincorporated community of Wittman [see “BNSF officially announces plans …,” Trains.com, June 19, 2024]. The facility would include a 1,770-acre intermodal terminal, a 1,420-acre logistics park with sites for warehouse and distribution facilities, and a 1,131-acre logistics center. Residents of Wittman (population 684 as of the 2020 census) and neighboring Circle City (population 522) are fighting the plan through moves including a cityhood drive, concerned about traffic, water use, pollution, and other impacts of the development [see “Arizona community opposed to BNSF project …,” Trains.com, May 21, 2025].

The vote by the council in Surprise, approximately 15 miles southeast of the project site, places the city on record prior to a vote by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on a BNSF rezoning request needed for the project .That vote was recently delayed at the request of BNSF, and now is slated for Nov. 5.

KSAZ-TV reports that the Surprise Mayor Kevin Sartor said the council’s vote in part reflects what the city considers a lack of communication by BNSF: “We’re pro growth, we’re pro business, but we need to have good partners.” Lena Kent, general director of public affairs for BNSF, told the station, “We believe in what we’re doing here with city staff regarding transportation issues, regarding the use of water. We will be recharging the water. We will be contributing to a regional transportation plan.” Kent said.