The Surprise City Council approved a resolution in opposition to BNSF Railway’s proposed BNSF Logistics Park during its Oct. 7 meeting.
The master-planned logistics hub has sparked controversies over a series of miscommunications between City of Surprise staff and BNSF Railway.
Surprise officials stated BNSF had pulled out of plans to annex into the city for its 4,300-acre rail hub. Additionally, officials said BNSF stopped responding to inquiries surrounding water, traffic and environmental concerns.
A BNSF representative stated the company had concerns about City Council passing a resolution for a project that was located on unincorporated land in Maricopa County. The representative went on to say the City did not share its concerns with the company or that it would be discussing the project at its meeting.
Other concerns have been levied surrounding water usage. The company has Type Two water rights in the Arizona Groundwater Management code, while Surprise has Type One requirements. BNSF stated this is why it moved away from its attempts to annex into the city.
BNSF’s water designation allows it to pump water without replenishing the amount of water it uses. The City’s Type One requirements enforce entities to replace water pumped from aquifers with groundwater. Councilmembers argued Type Two water designations are typically used for agricultural purposes.
BNSF stated the $3.2B investment will create “generational opportunities” and result in millions of dollars in state and local taxes to support local schools.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors is slated to discuss a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning for the project during its Nov. 5 meeting. (Source)
