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Residents and PORA warn of potential BNSF intermodal impacts; PORA outlines organizational plans
Summary
Public commenters and PORA leadership used the March 20 meeting to raise concerns about a potential BNSF intermodal facility near the Whitman area and to update residents on PORA's internal planning. Speakers cited truck and truck-trip forecasts, air-quality concerns and ongoing coordination with county and federal agencies.
Several residents and a PORA representative raised concerns at the March 20 Sun City West Governing Board meeting about a potential BNSF intermodal facility planned in the broader region and its effects on traffic, air quality, water and native habitat.
PORA President Ralph Johnson presented an organization update and said PORA has been preparing business-plan revisions and monitoring government relations projects that could affect Sun City West. "It is the intent and plan that the board will continue to serve SCW just as it has for the past 45 years," Johnson said, summarizing PORA's ongoing work on governance, transit, water, and traffic and safety committees.
Public commenters described environmental and traffic concerns tied to a proposed BNSF intermodal yard. Bud Meador summarized community concerns, citing an engineer's estimate that the facility could use 18 million square feet of concrete and quoting, as reported in public sources, truck‑trip estimates that could rise from about 2,734 trips per day in an early phase to 22,749 trips per day by 2038. Meador noted that Maricopa County did not list the project in its five-year plan and said environmental‑impact statements and coordination with ADOT had not been completed.
Commenters also cited air-quality risk. Nick Turner noted published research linking air pollution to negative outcomes and urged vigilance if a heavy-diesel freight facility is sited nearby. Another commenter said Barstow had rejected a similar project and that local federal and county officials will be engaged; he said local residents are preparing for further outreach and advocacy.
Board members and staff did not take an action at the meeting regarding the BNSF project; public comments were presented for the record. PORA said it will continue work on its internal "plan A" revisions and will provide updates to members when appropriate.
The board did not make any policy or budget decisions at this meeting in response to the BNSF discussion; speakers said coordination with county supervisors, federal representatives and relevant agencies will be needed as details about the project evolve.
