Wittmann residents consider incorporation amid fight against proposed $3.2 billion BNSF rail hub

PHOENIX — Residents of a quiet rural community about 35 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix are pushing back against a proposed rail hub that could dramatically reshape their way of life.

Warren Buffett, one of the richest men in the world, plans to build a 4,320-acre, $3.2 billion rail hub in Wittmann, an unincorporated area, for one of his companies, Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF).

In response, a group of residents, including Jeff August, submitted a letter of intent to pursue incorporation last week. They believe it will help them gain local control and preserve Wittmann’s unique identity.

“If Wittmann and its cowboy culture are to be preserved, the people of Wittmann must make it happen,” August said in a Monday announcement from Keep Us Rural LLC, which is coordinating the incorporation effort. “That can only happen with local control.”

It’s a move in one of the biggest zoning battles in Maricopa County history, according to advocates.

“Pursuing preservation without incorporation is like riding a horse without holding the reins: You would just go around in circles,” August said.

What plans does BNSF have for its potential Wittmann rail hub?

BNSF Railway is currently awaiting a decision from the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors on a zoning request for its proposed Wittmann rail yard project, which includes:

• A 1,770-acre intermodal facility.
• A 1,420-acre logistics park with warehouses.
• A 1,109-acre logistics center.
• A 22-acre wastewater treatment facility.

Republican Debbie Lesko, a former U.S. congresswoman who now represents the district that includes Wittmann on the board, said BNSF estimates 22,000 vehicle trips in and out of the area once the project reaches full buildout.

“Railways have federal preemptive rights dating back to the 1800s, which likely means that BNSF Railway could build portions of the project, including the intermodal facility, without local permitting or zoning approval,” Lesko said in a Monday newsletter.

However, BNSF will need local zoning approval to build the logistics park, which includes warehouses, she added.

“BNSF Railway has told me that they may proceed with portions of the project, even if the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors denies their zoning request,” Lesko said.

Why are Wittmann residents protesting proposed BNSF rail yard?

August and other residents who oppose the proposed Wittmann rail hub say it would ruin their quality of life by:

• Creating massive amounts of traffic and air pollution.
• Straining critical fire and public safety services.
• Creating more crime and noise.

Keep Us Rural LLC also said the project would negatively impact neighboring communities such as Surprise, Sun City, Wickenburg and more.

Signature collection for the incorporation effort will begin following a brief public notification period. Keep Us Rural LLC will then have 180 days to gather the required signatures. Once signatures are collected, an election must be held within 180 days.

More information about why the community is protesting the rail hub can be found online.

To rally support for their cause, Wittmann residents partnered with documentary film maker Reece O’Connor to create a YouTube series called The Lost Cowboys.

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