OMAHA — In a significant commitment to improving rural infrastructure, federal authorities revealed on Tuesday a generous $5.4 million grant aimed at revitalizing the rail line connecting the communities of Fairmont and Burress in Fillmore County, Nebraska.
This funding, awarded to Manning Rail, will bolster the Southeastern Nebraska Agricultural Supply Chain Efficiency Project and is a part of a larger $2.4 billion investment distributed across 122 rail initiatives in 41 states nationwide, underscoring the federal government’s dedication to enhancing transportation networks.
The robust financial support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is expected to improve the safety and reliability of rail transport for both goods and passengers, thereby reducing shipping costs and minimizing environmental pollution, as emphasized in a statement from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Kent Manning, president of Manning Rail, expressed enthusiasm, stating that the grant offers regional producers “tremendous” opportunities for growth and accessibility to vital supply channels.
“When we purchased the line 20 years ago, it had little chance of surviving,” he remarked. “Since then, we have worked very hard to restore it. This grant provides the necessary funding for the safe and efficient transportation of grain via rail. Once this project is completed, producers for generations to come will have access to 110-car shuttle trains on the BNSF railroad, significantly boosting economic prospects.”
Manning noted that the upcoming project will concentrate on the final design and construction phases necessary to restore the rail line, with Manning Rail and Fillmore County stepping up to contribute a matching 25% of the total funding.
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., highlighted that rebuilding the rail line will connect more than 100 local producers to the global marketplace, positioning Fillmore County for greater success and economic vitality.
“Investing in infrastructure keeps rural Nebraska strong,” she declared in a statement that emphasizes the importance of these developments.
U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., stated, “food security is national security,” stressing that enhancing Nebraska’s agricultural supply chain represents a critical and effective use of these federal funds toward building a thriving economy.
Projects in this funding round reflect the broad array of rail safety and service improvements eligible under this program, including upgrading track, fixing aging bridges, and adding modern locomotives to fleets, according to an announcement by the Biden-Harris administration, which aims to modernize America’s infrastructure.
Administered through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program, the grants specifically target rural areas that often rely on robust rail systems for their economic stability, reinforcing the connection between transportation and commerce.
The infrastructure program prioritizes smaller, short-line railroads, which are vital to the economy and regional supply chains, ensuring that local communities continue to thrive and prosper.
“Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re funding rail infrastructure projects that create jobs and expand workforce development, reduce costs for consumers, and directly benefit communities across the country,” stated U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, emphasizing the program’s broad societal impact.
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