Ariz. horse community’s concern grows over proposed rail hub

A proposed 4,300-acre Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway logistics hub in Whitman, Arizona, has left local residents deeply concerned about the impact it will have on their way of life. The massive project, which could become one of the largest laydown yards in the United States, is set to be developed on land that BNSF has acquired on multiple sides of the community.

BNSF describes the facility as a “best-in-class, state-of-the-art freight rail facility” that will support Arizona’s economic growth by improving supply chain efficiency. The company states the $3.2 billion project will create more than 26,000 jobs during construction and support over 50,000 jobs annually once operational. It will also generate more than $245 million in state and local tax revenue each year, benefiting Maricopa County, local schools, and infrastructure projects.

Despite these economic promises, many local residents remain apprehensive about the impact the project will have on their community.

“At this point here, they’re going to be building right on the other side of this fence, according to what their maps and their plans showed,” one resident explains. “You’ve got two miles between here and the 74, and they want to build right here.”

For the equestrian community that calls this area home, the changes could be devastating. Many of the residents rely on their horse-related businesses for income, training and breeding performance horses, or participating in team roping and barrel racing competitions.

“The horse industry — it’s not a hobby, it’s literally a lifestyle,” another resident stated. “I don’t know if we’ll be able to stay here.”

The planned facility will operate 24/7 and include large warehouses, heavy truck traffic, and a customs depot. Local homeowners fear this will bring noise pollution, environmental damage, and significantly lower property values. “It’s going to be lit up day and night,” a resident said. “It’s supposed to be the biggest laydown yard in the United States.”

Beyond quality-of-life concerns, there are significant environmental issues at play. The area is home to numerous protected species, including the burrowing owl and the desert tortoise. According to one resident, “Arizona Game and Fish put a document in replying back to Burlington Northern saying they needed to come up with a mitigation plan for 30 or 40 species. But the county might approve their permit without one.”

BNSF argues that the project will reduce truck miles traveled by shifting more freight to rail, which they describe as “the most environmentally friendly way to move goods over land.” The company also states the facility will be serviced by a modern locomotive fleet that uses less fuel and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

Residents also worry about the project’s effect on local water supplies. The land in question sits on a floodplain that channels rainwater all the way from Prescott to Phoenix. “I’ve asked BNSF representatives about flood mitigation,” a resident recalled. “They said they couldn’t address those concerns because they haven’t happened yet. And when I asked if they would pay for damages if it does happen, they wouldn’t answer.”

When BNSF held a town hall meeting, residents hoped to receive details about mitigation efforts for noise, traffic, and water concerns. Instead, they were given a presentation on how railroad wheels are made.

“We asked specific questions — about wells, traffic control, construction access — but their answer was ‘I don’t know,’” a resident said. “They weren’t informative.”

Adding to frustrations, it was revealed that the state of Arizona sold the land to BNSF for a third of the value of a nearby, similar property that sold for $125 million.

“As taxpayers, we should be very concerned that Burlington Northern was able to purchase property at a third of its value,” one resident pointed out. “If this was an industrial zone, fine. But when you buy property expecting the state to protect your rural community, and then they do this, it’s not right.”

For many, the future remains uncertain. “I didn’t get the property to sell — I got it to live in,” one homeowner said. “Now my ‘happily ever after’ is starting to get buildings on it.” Others fear an exodus of residents, leading to plummeting land values. “Most of the people here are retired,” a resident explained. “They don’t want all this traffic. They moved here for peace and quiet. If this happens, they’ll probably leave.”

As the approval process for the project moves forward, residents are left wondering if their voices will be heard.

“I try not to think about that side of it,” one resident admitted. “If you do, you’ll lose a lot of sleep at night.”