PHOENIX — BNSF Railway’s plan to build a massive $3.2 billion intermodal terminal and logistics center near Phoenix was dealt a blow on Wednesday when the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors unanimously rejected the railroad’s request for a zoning change.
The decision does not kill the project. But it will require BNSF to do additional work to ensure that the plans for the 4,300-acre facility align with the county’s comprehensive plan for the area, the Board of Supervisors said in a statement.
“I am a strong supporter of economic development and have no doubt BNSF’s plans for a railway logistics hub in one of the Valley’s fastest-growing areas would bring jobs and economic benefits to our region,” said Chairman Thomas Galvin of District 2. “However, I believe economic vitality depends on a shared commitment between taxpayers and business to strengthen and expand the community infrastructure needed for growth. Without the necessary infrastructure in place, I cannot support a land use designation change at this time.”
The White Tank Grand Avenue Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2023, governs development and growth in the area. At the time, BNSF was in discussions with the City of Surprise to achieve annexation, which would provide the services necessary to support the facility. But the annexation never occurred.
The Board of Supervisors continued the land use designation case several times to allow BNSF to coordinate and refine its plans for the terminal in the unincorporated community of Wittmann, Ariz. During that span, the City of Surprise voted to oppose the BNSF project as it currently stands.
BNSF had requested another delay this week so that the railroad could reach an agreement so that the hearing schedule meshes with the rezoning process. BNSF said it is close to an agreement, and that a meeting was scheduled for next week to discuss the matter with county officials.
BNSF said it was disappointed with the county’s decision.
“Unfortunately, Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted today not to approve the Major Comprehensive Plan Amendment to correct the County’s own mapping error,” railroad spokeswoman Lena Kent says. “This vote should have been straightforward and administrative in nature; however, the Board of Supervisors ignored the simplicity of our request and chose politics over smart growth.”
Logistics Park Phoenix will create 76,000 jobs, $4 billion in labor income, and $258 million in annual state and local tax payments, the railroad says.
“We remain undeterred and committed to continued dialogue with stakeholders as we move forward,” Kent says. “We are confident that LPP is the best way to serve our customers, as well as the Arizona residents and businesses that depend on the goods we transport, while maximizing the benefits of rail.”
BNSF announced plans for the logistics facility about 35 miles northwest of Phoenix in June 2024. The project will include an intermodal terminal, a rail-served logistics center, and a logistics park with sites for warehouse and distribution facilities.
Note: Updated at 5:42 p.m. Central with comment from BNSF.
