Nebraska lawmaker takes first step toward expanding train travel in the state

A state senator is traveling throughout Nebraska to gather opinions that will be used for a legislative resolution, LR203, about passenger train infrastructure.

Sen. Margo Juarez is hosting five town halls in Columbus, Lincoln, North Platte, Grand Island and her home city of Omaha.

Juarez, the introducer of the resolution, said expanded passenger rail could be an asset to Nebraska communities, although she acknowledged it would be a financial commitment.

“I realize that at least right now, we don't have those dollars," she said. "But that doesn't mean then that we can't start making contacts at the federal level and trying to work on getting more funding for an option such as this."

LR203 was also introduced by Sens. John Cavanaugh, Machaela Cavanaugh, Wendy DeBoer, Jason Prokop, Victor Rountree and Ashlei Spivey.

The resolution, which proposes an interim study on the passenger rail infrastructure, would examine Amtrak plans, among other steps. The legislative committee conducting the study will use findings for a report that will be presented to the Legislature’s Transportation and Telecommunications Committee.

It is one of a number of efforts to promote passenger rail service in Nebraska over the past decade, ever since the Legislature voted in 2015 to pull the state out of the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission.

Former Sen. Adam Morfeld introduced bills in 2020 and 2022 that would have appropriated money for the Nebraska Department of Transportation to study the prospect of adding high-speed rail in the state.

In 2023, Sen. George Dungan introduced a bill to have Nebraska rejoin the Midwest rail group, and Sen. Dan Quick introduced a similar bill this year.

None of those bills passed.

Juarez, who moved back to Nebraska from Salt Lake City, said she has been disappointed in Nebraska’s lack of progress on transportation options compared to other states.

“I was very disheartened to come home and see that Nebraska has made no progress when it comes to mass transportation,” she said. “I really want people to think about a transportation option besides their car, you know, to get outside the concept that this is what we have to settle for.”

She added the lack of passenger rail has hurt the state, since lifelong residents never have the opportunity to experience that form of mass transportation.

“I really hope also that our residents think about electing future leaders who also are supportive of mass transportation coming to Nebraska,” Juarez said. “I feel that the lack of vision by our leaders is why we have gone nowhere but cars in this state. And I want people to put pressure on them to advocate for something else.”

This public opinion study on passenger rail follows downtown Omaha’s efforts to implement a streetcar as well as federal actions to increase tariffs on motor vehicles and their parts.

The town halls are supported by ProRail Nebraska, which is a statewide advocacy group affiliated with the Rail Passenger Association. Residents can attend the five town halls either in person, virtually or answer an online poll.

Town Hall Schedule:

1. Columbus Town Hall - Tuesday from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Columbus Library (2500 14th St., Suite 2). This town hall will be facilitated in English with Spanish interpretation.
2. Lincoln Town Hall - Sept. 5 from 6-7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church (840 S. 17th St.).
3. North Platte Town Hall - Sept 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the North Platte Library (120 W. 4th St.).
4. Grand Island Town Hall - Sept. 16 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Grand Island Library (1124 W. 2nd St.).
5. Omaha Town Hall - Sept. 22 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Willa Cather Branch of Omaha Public Library (1905 S. 44th St.).