Project Updates

BIG Project Community Outreach

Following the announcement of the Barstow International Gateway (BIG) project last October, BNSF, in partnership with the City of Barstow and the Barstow Chamber of Commerce, has hosted 13 small community workshops, bringing together more than 100 stakeholders across a variety of interests, including healthcare, real estate, education, small business, youth sports, seniors/veterans, students, and the military to hear their thoughts.

Participants in these groups were generally supportive of the project and felt that it would bring significant positive benefits to Barstow, including increased revenue, population growth, well-paid/living wage jobs, and economic development, with a commensurate opportunity for improvements in services, schools, and opportunities for residents. In addition, participants cited the chance to improve Barstow’s reputation and encourage younger residents to stay in the community. When asked about programs and activities that could be improved, participants mentioned housing, medical care, childcare/daycare, schools, homeless services, parks/sport and recreational amenities, entertainment (such as bowling alleys, skating rinks, etc.), shopping, and restaurants.

After wrapping up the smaller workshops in early April, BNSF co-hosted a larger community meeting at Barstow Community College on April 26 that drew more than 300 attendees to learn more about the project and what it will mean for the city and the region. BNSF looks forward to continuing the dialogue with the Barstow community as the planning for this transformative project moves ahead.