Local businesses can apply for a unique opportunity to enhance their environmental standards via land testing
BARSTOW, CA – April 30, 2025 – Businesses within the City of Barstow can apply for special grant funds through the City if they anticipate development and need the soil tested for environmental purposes.
With the new BNSF Railway project – Barstow International Gateway (BIG) – set to uplift the region’s supply chain, the potential exists for businesses to thrive in a more sustainable way. To support the transition into a better economy, Brownfields grants were awarded to the City of Barstow with the goal to use them to promote development and for the betterment of land within the city. Currently, funds are used towards testing the old golf course as well as the old vacant hospital site and business park sites. Leftover funds are intended to be used for local land owners, specifically to conduct Phase I and Phase II environmental testing. The initiative is part of the City of Barstow’s commitment to ensuring that the local community benefits from the upcoming changes while maintaining high environmental standards.
“Our commitment to the Barstow community, businesses, and environment is one of our biggest priorities,” said Barstow City Manager Rochelle Clayton. “By offering these grants, we are developing the economy in a way that is beneficial for many and helps to facilitate the growth and development process for those who move into our market.”
Taking advantage of this opportunity is valuable to businesses and others to prepare for future development, increase property value, and contribute to a thriving local economy. Through environmental testing and remediation efforts, land owners can:
Unlock Property Potential: Identifying and addressing environmental concerns can help businesses move forward with expansion, redevelopment, or new construction projects.
Increase Property Value & Marketability: Properties that meet modern environmental standards are more attractive to buyers, investors, and tenants.
Support Long-Term Sustainability: By taking proactive measures now, businesses can position themselves for success in a rapidly growing and evolving market.
Access Expert Guidance & Resources: The City of Barstow, along with strategic economic development partners, will assist businesses in navigating the grant process and leveraging resources for redevelopment.
City of Barstow Economic Development Specialist Genesis Crank noted that Barstow’s vision is to enhance the quality of life for residents, create meaningful job opportunities, and position the city for sustainable growth. To achieve this, the City is prioritizing the redeveloping of key areas, with a particular focus on the Barstow Downtown Corridor (Main Street).
“These efforts will breathe new life into underutilized properties, fostering business growth and creating spaces that support our community’s needs,” Crank said. “As a property or business owner, your participation is essential to this vision. By redeveloping your property as part of the ECRG program, you’ll contribute to the revitalization of Barstow’s economic landscape while unlocking the potential of your property for future uses. The program offers resources to assess and remediate environmental challenges, paving the way for business expansion, higher property values, and a stronger local economy. For absentee property owners, now is the time to reconnect with Barstow’s bright future. Your property has the potential to be part of the transformation that will benefit both you and the community. The window of opportunity is limited, and we urge you to act now.”
To find out if a business is eligible for land or soil testing through the ECRG grants, individuals can fill out the survey at barstowbig.com/brownfieldsurvey , or contact Genesis Crank, the City of Barstow Economic Development specialist. She can be reached at gcrank@barstowca.org or by calling 760-255-5152.
More information on the City of Barstow can be accessed at www.BarstowCA.org.
