06/18/2026
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Barstow, Calif., June 17, 2026 – The Barstow City Council has voted unanimously to approve its General Plan 2048. The General Plan is a comprehensive planning document covering various topics that establishes goals and policies to guide decision makers and the community toward its vision to create a better Barstow for everyone.
Every city in California is required by state law to adopt a General Plan that contains goals and policies cohesive with the community's vision of its future and enhances the use of available resources. The City of Barstow last updated its General Plan in 2015 that extended through 2020.
The City Council has also certified the Barstow International Gateway (BIG), a first-of-its kind 4,500-acre, integrated rail facility that will be located on the west side of Barstow.
This $4 billion private investment by BNSF Railway builds on Barstow’s long history as a railroad town, while delivering economic, environmental, and equity benefits locally and statewide, with infrastructure and long-term revenue to support public services.
Over its first 20 years of operation, BIG is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits to the City of Barstow, including:
• Approximately 5,400 new direct jobs
• $938 million in total earnings
• $2.9 billion in total economic output
BIG will bring major infrastructure improvements, including channel upgrades to reduce flooding, replacement of the Hinkley Road bridge over the Mojave River, and roadway circulation enhancements to improve traffic flow, safety, and emergency access.
In addition, BNSF has committed to zero-emission rail mounted gantry cranes, hybrid rubber-tired gantry cranes, zero emission forklifts and hostlers, and electric plug-ins for refrigerated units, as well as a solar farm.
Barstow Mayor Tim Silva noted, “The approval of the General Plan Update will guide growth in a way that supports our collective vision for the future, enabling the City to plan in advance of individual projects, attract jobs, create new housing choices, and promote a healthy community. The Barstow International Gateway project epitomizes our commitment to a bright future for the city, and we’re proud to partner with BNSF Railway to bring thousands of jobs, billions in economic output and major infrastructure improvements to Barstow.”
The BIG Project is a large-scale rail and logistics hub with an intermodal facility and transload warehouse space, designed to streamline international freight movement from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to Barstow, and improve supply chain efficiency, which will strengthen Barstow’s position as a regional economic center.
“I want to thank the Barstow City Council for their leadership, hard work, and partnership in approving the Barstow International Gateway project,” said San Bernardino County Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “This project will deliver thousands of good-paying jobs to the High Desert and strengthen our region’s role in the national supply chain. I’m proud of the collaborative effort between the City of Barstow, BNSF Railway, San Bernardino County, and all the other entities that are helping to make this a reality. I look forward to the lasting economic benefits and opportunities this transformative project will bring to Barstow and all our communities.”
The City’s approval follows more than five years of planning, environmental analysis, and community engagement related to the General Plan Update and BIG Project. Future implementation steps will include continued coordination with BNSF Railway, San Bernardino County, LAFCO, regional agencies, and community stakeholders.
“This approval represents years of thoughtful planning, environmental review, public outreach, and coordination,” said City Manager Rochelle Clayton. “The BIG Project is more than a development project; it is a long-term investment in the future of our community. The City remains committed to ensuring this project moves forward responsibly, with continued focus on public services, community impacts, and sustainable growth.”
Katie Farmer, President & CEO of BNSF Railway added, “For more than 140 years, BNSF and its predecessor railroads have operated in Barstow and helped the High Desert thrive. We’re proud of that heritage and appreciate our partnership with the City of Barstow and San Bernardino County as we invest in the future. This first-of-its kind integrated rail facility will create jobs, transform the regional economy, help reduce highway congestion, and unlock critical efficiencies to meet our nation’s supply chain demands. We thank the City Council and staff for their leadership and look forward to continued collaboration as the Barstow International Gateway moves into construction and operations.”
“This is a defining moment for Barstow,” said Mayor Tim Silva. “For generations, Barstow has been known as a crossroads for transportation, commerce, and opportunity. The approval of the Barstow International Gateway Project builds on that legacy and positions our city for a stronger future. This project means jobs, investment, and new possibilities for Barstow families, while reinforcing our role as the Hub of the West.”
For more information, visit the City’s website at www.BarstowCA.org or contact Suzy Nelson in the City Manager’s Office at 760.255.5195 or [email protected].
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ABOUT BARSTOW: Located in the heart of the Mojave Desert, the City of Barstow encompasses approximately 41 square miles and is home to about 25,000 residents. Incorporated in 1947, Barstow is a vibrant and resilient community that serves as a regional crossroads, where Interstates 15 and 40 and State Route 58 converge, connecting major transportation corridors and playing an important role in commerce, travel, and logistics throughout Southern California.
Barstow is at the entrance to the Mojave National Preserve and is home to the U.S. Army National Training Center at Ft. Irwin; Marine Corps Logistics Base, Barstow; NASA's Goldstone Deep Space Network; Veterans Home of California, Barstow; and BNSF Railway’s classification yard.
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