Arizona Chamber should work with BNSF on alternate sites for rail hub

OPINION — This is an open letter to Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce

We appreciate the Arizona Chamber’s commitment to economic growth and understand the need for the BNSF project. Our concern is not the project itself, but its proposed
location in Wittmann.

On Nov. 5, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted to deny BNSF’s land use change request — a clear signal that this site poses serious challenges. The U.S. 60 corridor from Wittmann to Loop 101 already struggles with congestion and has been rated “failing” by MCDOT. Adding 6,700 trucks and 16,000 vehicles daily will worsen traffic,air quality, noise, and light pollution, while straining water and wastewater systems.

For the 100,000-plus retirees living along this corridor, the impact is severe:

• No significant job benefits for our communities as we are retired

• Increased taxes for infrastructure and public services

• Declining home values despite rising assessments

• The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors stated in its Nov. 5 meeting that the earliest construction could begin on U.S. 60 corridor is 2033, resulting in years of gridlock if this project
goes forward

• The actual financial burden and decreased quality of life will be much higher than the perceived benefit.

The chamber compares this project to hosting seven Super Bowls annually. As the “host” site, expecting us to deal with the effects of this project is not a realistic pathway forward.

We urge the chamber and BNSF to collaborate with local communities to identify alternative sites that deliver economic benefits without imposing these burdens. Growth should not come at the expense of those who worked a lifetime to enjoy peace and stability.

Hear our voices and help find a better solution.