Work continues on the Hershey Rail Park and Inland Port project, a major economic development initiative aimed at expanding industrial growth and transportation access in Lincoln County.
The project is designed to address long-standing limitations that have made it difficult to attract rail-dependent industries to the area due to congestion near Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard.
Plans include development of a drop-and-pull rail yard and transload facility, allowing goods to be transferred between rail and truck transportation. Design work for key infrastructure components is nearing completion, with construction expected to follow pending approvals.
Site preparation is already underway, including removal of existing structures and efforts to rezone multiple parcels for heavy industrial use.
Officials say much of the progress is happening behind the scenes, even if it is not immediately visible to the public.
“Right now we’re clicking on all cylinders… there is a ton of things going on,” said North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corporation President and CEO Gary Person.
Infrastructure remains one of the most critical components of the project. Plans call for significant utility upgrades, including expanded electrical capacity, transmission lines and a new substation to support future industrial operations.
“It’s been a heavy lift getting everything going there,” Person said.
The project is being developed alongside the Nebraska International Port of the Plains, the first inland port authority established in the state. Together, the efforts aim to position Lincoln County as a regional hub for manufacturing, logistics and distribution.
Interest from potential tenants is already emerging, including an anchor project that has signed a letter of intent. However, continued progress will depend on completing infrastructure and securing necessary resources, particularly power capacity.
“We have a chance to land companies we’ve never had a chance before because it was not possible in Lincoln County,” Person said. “Now it is possible.”
Economic leaders say the long-term impact could include significant investment and job creation, though development is expected to occur in phases over several years.
“It takes a long, long time to get economic development working. It doesn’t take very long to blow it up,” Person said.
Officials say the project remains a priority as they continue working to expand economic opportunities across the region.