BNSF’s $1.5 billion Barstow International Gateway land sale up for public review

The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public comment on a proposed land sale of nearly 30 acres of public land located near Barstow to Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway.

The Notice of Realty Action , published in the Federal Register on Wednesday, Aug. 28 began the public comment period until Oct. 15.

The public lands are located less than a mile west of Barstow in San Bernardino County.

BNSF’s proposed land-use would be for the Barstow International Gateway project, a nearly 4,500-acre integrated rail facility that would transfer goods from international to domestic containers.

The proposed project would result in a more than $1.5 billion investment in the community, potentially creating more than 20,000 new jobs and helping to address logistics and supply chain issues.

If approved, the BNSF project is expected to help reduce freeway congestion around the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Barstow International Gateway: City leaders rally legislative support to save BNSF’s $1.5 billion railway project

The public land proposed for sale is suitable for private sale since it is surrounded by private lands and provides no public access. As such, there would be no impacts to public land access or recreation.

If approved, the public lands would be sold to BNSF Railway at fair market value.

BNSF project: How to submit comments

Anyone interested in reviewing the environmental assessment, the appraisal, or maps, may visit the BLM National NEPA Register , or visit the BLM Barstow Field Office at 2601 Barstow Road.

The field office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. five days a week, excluding federal holidays. The public may contact the office at 760-252-6000 to make visitation arrangements.

Written comments should be sent to Bureau of Land Management, Barstow Field Office, ATTN: Tim McCain, 2601 Barstow Road in Barstow, CA 92311, or sent by email to tmccain@blm.gov.

For additional information, contact Realty Specialist Tim McCain at tmccain@blm.gov .

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: BNSF’s $1.5 billion Barstow International Gateway land sale up for public review