Asher Inland Port: A Strategic Hub for Industrial Growth in Southwest Arizona
As global supply chains shift and companies seek more efficient, cost-effective logistics solutions, the Asher Inland Port in East Yuma County, Arizona, is emerging as a game-changer. With its prime location, shovel-ready industrial sites, and a host of federal and state incentives, Asher Inland Port is poised to become a premier hub for manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics.
A Prime Location for Logistics and Manufacturing
Situated on 565.2 acres between Avenue 31E and Avenue 33E, bordered by Highway US-80 and the Wellton Branch of the Union Pacific Railroad, the Asher Inland Port offers unparalleled access to key transportation corridors. Companies looking to distribute goods across North America or export to Asia will find a strategic advantage in the port’s connectivity to major rail and highway systems.
The site benefits from significant infrastructure, including a 69kV power line, multiple 480-volt three-phase connections, natural gas service, on-site fiber optics, and a Kinder-Morgan products pipeline. These features make it an ideal destination for industries requiring robust utility support and seamless logistics operations.
Economic and Regulatory Advantages
Arizona presents a business-friendly environment, and Asher Inland Port takes it a step further. Unlike sites in California, Asher Inland Port does not have PM-10 air quality restrictions, meaning fewer regulatory hurdles. Additionally, there are no California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements, and labor costs are significantly lower in Arizona.
With much of the site already designated for heavy industrial use, zoning applications for the remaining portions are set for approval soon. Moreover, the land is owned outright and is currently in agricultural use, ensuring a smooth and swift transition to industrial development.
Federal and State Incentives
Businesses locating at Asher Inland Port can take advantage of multiple incentive programs, including:
Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Status – Reducing import/export tariffs and allowing on-site customs inspections, bypassing congestion at ports like Los Angeles and Long Beach.
New Market Tax Credit Program – Providing a 39% federal tax credit to companies investing over $5 million and creating jobs in the region.
Revitalization District Designation – Enabling tax-exempt bonds for infrastructure development.
Inflation Reduction Act Incentives – Supporting renewable energy investments in low-income areas, making Asher Inland Port attractive for green manufacturing and energy projects.
Superior Rail and Interstate Access
A $760 million rehabilitation project is underway on the Wellton Branch of the Union Pacific Railroad, ensuring high-quality rail service to the site. The port will also connect to major inland ports in Goodyear, Arizona (serving Amazon and Walmart), as well as the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Additionally, Amtrak has announced plans to restore passenger rail service between Los Angeles and Phoenix, with Wellton, AZ, expected to become a new station. The Yuma County Strategic Plan includes a new interchange at Avenue 31E, further enhancing highway access.
A Future-Ready Investment Opportunity
Beyond traditional manufacturing and logistics, Asher Inland Port is working on integrating solar PV and green hydrogen solutions to reduce greenhouse gas footprints, aligning with sustainability goals for modern industries.
With shovel-ready sites, robust infrastructure, regulatory advantages, and a strong incentive package, Asher Inland Port is the most compelling industrial development opportunity in Yuma County. Companies looking to optimize costs, streamline logistics, and access global markets will find an unbeatable value proposition in this emerging Southwest Arizona hub.
