Ricketts, Fischer Secure $5.4 Million Grant for Nebraska Agricultural Supply Chain Efficiency Project

October 29, 2024

OMAHA, NE — Today, U.S. Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Deb Fischer (R-NE) announced a $5.4 million federal grant to enhance the Southeastern Nebraska Agricultural Supply Chain Efficiency Project. The grant was awarded to Manning Rail, Inc. to rehabilitate a rail line between Fairmont and Burress in Filmore County.

“Food security is national security so enhancing Nebraska’s agricultural supply chain is an important use of these funds,” said Senator Ricketts. “Restoring the rail line will enhance the competitiveness of more than 100 local farmers. This project will not only improve grain transporting efficiency, but also enhance market access for local producers.”

“Investing in infrastructure keeps rural Nebraska strong,” said Senator Fischer. “Rebuilding the rail line between Fairmont and Burress will connect more than 100 producers to the global marketplace and position Fillmore County for future success.”

“We are grateful and excited to have been awarded this grant because of the tremendous opportunity it offers regional producers,” said Kent Manning, President of Manning Rail. “When we purchased the line twenty years ago, it had little chance of surviving. 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.”

This project will focus on development, final design, and construction activities to restore the rail line. Manning Rail and Filmore County will contribute the 25 percent non-Federal match. The project qualifies for the statutory set-aside for rural area projects.