The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has approved a noncompetitive sale of public lands in San Bernardino County to Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF). BNSF will purchase nearly 30 acres for the planned $1.5 billion Barstow International Gateway project, located less than a mile west of the city.
The Bureau of Land Management Barstow Field Office identified the $98,000 public land as suitable for private sale. The property, surrounded by private lands, is isolated and challenging for the Bureau to provide public access. In August 2024, BLM invited public comment on the proposed land sale to Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway.