Why It Matters

The City of Barstow‘s expanded lobbying effort positions it to influence federal infrastructure funding decisions worth potentially hundreds of millions of dollars for its planned Barstow International Gateway project. The city’s focus on budget and transportation policy directly affects grant funding availability through annual THUD appropriations bills and emerging infrastructure bank legislation.

Barstow has added Channon Clements Hanna—a former Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee staffer who can provide direct committee access. The Californian city is now poised to navigate FY 2026 appropriations processes and access potential new financing through proposed National Infrastructure Bank legislation.

By the Numbers

Barstow has maintained consistent federal lobbying since 2007 through Carpi & Clay Inc. Veteran lobbyist David Wetmore has filed 53 disclosures on behalf of Barstow, focusing on infrastructure and appropriations. The 2025 registration adds Hanna, whose background includes work with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority and Dallas Area Rapid Transit.

The firm has filed over 1,600 disclosures for 118 clients since 2003, specializing in federal appropriations and transportation policy for California-based public entities.

The Agenda

Barstow is lobbying on budget and appropriations and transportation policy, specifically seeking federal funding for the BNSF Barstow International Gateway (BIG) intermodal rail facility. The city is pursuing multiple funding mechanisms, including Community Project Funding through Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations and potential financing through proposed National Infrastructure Bank legislation.

Broader Context

Congress is actively supporting infrastructure investment in 2025. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues funding rail projects, and the BUILD grant program provides $1.5 billion for intermodal and freight rail projects. Southern California port congestion has intensified demand for efficient inland rail infrastructure, with LA and Long Beach ports investing $2.5 billion in rail-based cargo movement.

BNSF recently secured approval to purchase land for the $1.5 billion Barstow International Gateway project, positioning it for federal funding pursuit. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA-23) has publicly supported the BIG project, providing key congressional backing.

Between The Lines

Two proposed bills—the National Infrastructure Bank Act (H.R. 5356) and the Federal Infrastructure Bank Act (H.R. 1235)—create new financing mechanisms for intermodal facilities, with H.R. 1235 specifically targeting rural infrastructure. Rep. Obernolte has publicly pledged support for the project, positioning Barstow to leverage both appropriations and earmark opportunities.

Competitive Landscape

The intermodal transportation space attracts significant lobbying from well-resourced organizations. Prologis LP/Inc., a global logistics real estate leader, actively lobbies on intermodal transportation and supply chain optimization. The Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO extensively lobbies on rail safety, port automation, and federal grant programs. The freight rail industry reports over $275 million spent on upgrading intermodal facilities, indicating robust competition for efficient inland freight capacity.

The Bottom Line

Barstow formalized its federal advocacy through Carpi & Clay Inc. to pursue support for its Barstow International Gateway project. Adding former Senate Commerce Committee staffer Hanna to complement veteran lobbyist Wetmore signals serious intent to capitalize on federal funding opportunities, including THUD appropriations and proposed infrastructure bank legislation.

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article