BNSF Railway has shifted tracks in its efforts to develop an intermodal railway hub in the West Valley.
Having initially pursued rezoning and plan amendments through the City of Surprise, late last month the freight giant submitted its applications to Maricopa County instead. A company spokesperson said that since the site is within County boundaries, it made more sense to pursue the process there rather than via the City of Surprise.
The site lies in the Wittman area of the county. Surprise issued an initial approval last year for a general plan amendment that would have been the first step toward rezoning and annexation. City representatives said the company has not submitted any new documents in the intervening time.
The materials submitted to Maricopa County include a comprehensive plan amendment for an 839-acre portion of the total site.
Since the location lies within the Surprise planning area, it is expected BNSF, the County and Surprise will continue to work on the overall process together. Area residents had expressed significant opposition to the plan during previous submittals and reviews.
The company has also partnered with real estate firms CRG and The Kroenke Group in a joint venture called LPAZ LLC that will act as the logistics park’s master developer.
Up to 18MSF of leasable space is possible at the hub’s full buildout. The general land use breakdown consists of a 1,700-acre intermodal facility, a 1,420-acre logistics park, a 1,131-acre rail-served logistics center, and water and wastewater treatment facilities located on-site.
BNSF intends to obtain grandfathered groundwater rights and secure power and natural gas service through Arizona Public Service and Southwest Gas, respectively.
The company has said it hopes to begin work on the site in 2025 and start initial operations in 2028. (Source)
