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PHOENIX (AP) - A controversial rail yard proposed near Picacho Peak in southern Arizona is gaining support from some state and federal politicians.

The politicians are pressuring state officials to sell the land quickly to Union Pacific Corp.

The Arizona Republic (http://bit.ly/QecYHz) reports the freight giant wants to build its biggest yard between Los Angeles and Texas along the east side of Interstate 10 on farmland owned by the Arizona State Land Trust.

Union Pacific first applied with the state Land Department to buy the land in 2006. But the application has been stalled by the recession and opposition.

Union Pacific has said it will invest $250 million to develop the 950-acre site to be called the Red Rock Classification Yardsite, which would employ up to 300 workers.

Pictured: A Google Map image showing the proposed placement of the Red Rock Classification Yardsite. Image courtesy Pinal County Department of Economic Development