Nebraska lawmaker takes first step towards increasing prepare journey within the state

A state senator is touring all through Nebraska to collect opinions that might be used for a legislative resolution, LR203, about passenger prepare infrastructure.

Sen. Margo Juarez is internet hosting 5 city halls in Columbus, Lincoln, North Platte, Grand Island and her dwelling metropolis of Omaha.

Juarez, the introducer of the decision, stated expanded passenger rail could possibly be an asset to Nebraska communities, though she acknowledged it will be a monetary dedication.

“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.

Residents can attend the five town halls either in person, virtually or answer an online poll.

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 stated. “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 dearth of passenger rail has damage the state, since lifelong residents by no means have the chance to expertise that type 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 stated. “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 research on passenger rail follows downtown Omaha’s efforts to implement a streetcar in addition to federal actions to extend tariffs on motor automobiles and their components.

The city halls are supported by ProfessionalRail Nebraska, which is a statewide advocacy group affiliated with the Rail Passenger Association.

Town Hall Schedule:

1. Columbus Town Hall – Tuesday from 6-7:30 p.m. on the Columbus Library (2500 14th St., Suite 2). This city corridor might 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. seventeenth St.).
3. North Platte Town Hall – Sept 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. on the North Platte Library (120 W. 4th St.).
4. Grand Island Town Hall – Sept. 16 from 6-7:30 p.m. on the Grand Island Library (1124 W. 2nd St.).
5. Omaha Town Hall – Sept. 22 from 5:30-7 p.m. on the Willa Cather Branch of Omaha Public Library (1905 S. forty fourth St.).