White House to invest more than $15 million in Nebraska railroads

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — On Monday, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced it’s investing $15.22 million in Nebraska’s railroads.

The Biden Administration says this funding will go toward rail improvement projects, especially looking into rail safety and supply chain upgrades.

Transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg is planning on visiting Grand Island on Monday to tout this new funding.

“Under President Biden’s leadership, we are making historic investments in rail, which means fewer accidents and delays, faster travel times, and lower shipping costs for the American people,” said Buttigieg in a press release.“These projects will make American rail safer, more reliable, and more resilient, delivering tangible benefits to dozens of communities where railroads are located, and strengthening supply chains for the entire country.”

This news comes on the heels of a rail car explosion in North Platte last week. No one was injured and investigators say it was accidental.

Nationally, President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is investing more than $1.4 billion into 70 rail improvement projects in 35 states and Washington, D.C.

This investment in Nebraska will go toward the “Cornhusker Railroad Regional Connectivity Project.” It involves final design and construction activities for track-related improvements, upgrades to certain grade crossings, and expansion of the railcar repair facility.

Buttigieg will start his visit in Grand Island with a tour of a rail facility where he will meet with rail workers. Following the tour, Secretary Buttigieg will be joined by local leaders for a press conference.