Federal $5.4M grant to help rehab rail line in Nebraska’s Fillmore County

OMAHA — Federal officials on Tuesday announced a $5.4 million grant to Nebraska to help rehab a rail line between the small communities of Fairmont and Burress in Fillmore County.

The federal dollars awarded to Manning Rail will enhance the Southeastern Nebraska Agricultural Supply Chain Efficiency Project and are part of a $2.4 billion investment in 122 rail projects in 41 states nationwide.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding will make rail safer and more reliable in moving goods and people. It should result in lower shipping costs and less pollution, according to a U.S. Department of Transportation statement.

Kent Manning, president of Manning Rail, said the grant offers regional producers “tremendous” opportunities.

“When we purchased the line 20 years ago, it had little chance of surviving,” he said. “Since then, we have worked very hard to restore it. This grant provides the necessary funding for 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.”

Manning said the project will focus on final design and construction to restore the rail line. Manning Rail and Fillmore County are to contribute a 25% match. 

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., said rebuilding the rail line will connect more than 100 producers to the global marketplace and position Fillmore County for success.

“Investing in infrastructure keeps rural Nebraska strong,” she said in a statement.

U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., said “food security is national security so enhancing Nebraska’s agricultural supply chain is an important use of these funds.”

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. 

Administered through the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program, the grants especially benefit rural areas, said the statement.

The infrastructure program prioritizes smaller, short-line railroads vital to the economy and regional supply chains.

“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,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.