The gasoline and diesel desert that has existed between Baker City and Huntington for a dozen years will soon have an oasis.

A Kennewick, Washington, developer said the Durkee Travel Place, which will include a convenience store as well as fuel pumps, should open by the end of March.

Raman Malhi owns the property. He bought five parcels, totaling 13.3 acres, along Vandecar Road in 2022 for $350,000, according to Baker County Assessor’s Office records.

He said he bought the property because there is no gas station or convenience store in the 45 miles between Baker City and Huntington. The gas station and store that previously operated on the property closed in March 2013.

The property is just north of the Durkee interchange on Interstate 84 near Milepost 327, about 23 miles southeast of Baker City.

The Baker County Planning Commission approved a conditional-use permit for the business in September 2023.

The permit requires the owner to install a pedestrian crosswalk on the north side of the intersection of Vandecar and Manning Creek roads.

The owner also has to widen Vandecar Road for the length of the property — 850 feet — to accommodate a center turn lane to the business.

Malhi said the business will employ eight to 10 people.

He said he would like to add a fast food restaurant, possibly a Subway sandwich shop.

Malhi said he also plans to build a motel on the property after the travel plaza is operating. The motel could be built in 2026, he said.