Rail access, speculative building for business, discussed by NGage

BEATRICE – An economic development organization is discussing the potential for expanding a rail spur and the prospects of a speculative building to attract a business or industry.

The topics were discussed at the Gage Area Growth Enterprise Board’s monthly meeting, Thursday. Currently a rail spur serves the Accuma Corporation at the industrial park and was upgraded through a cost-sharing agreement between the corporation and the City of Beatrice.  NGage board members note that the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe rail line to Beatrice has been seeing increased traffic…to businesses such as the biodiesel plant and co-op grain facilities.

NGage Board member Rex Adams, who works for Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad, says that increased traffic is critical to retaining rail service in the area.
"We need to develop traffic here, because the last time the bridge went out, they were this close to not fixing the bridge. That bridge goes out and they choose not to fix it, this is done. Developing the traffic is a key ingredient to keeping that line, here."

Officials discussed the potential of extending a rail spur farther north in the industrial park, across Sargent Street to property near Precise Fabrication.
NGage Board member Rick Clabaugh says inquiries have been received about the potential for a speculative building of approximately 25,000 square feet….and what incentives might help promote that project.

"I think this would really put us ahead of a lot of people, since there's only like two or three in eastern Nebraska of buildings that size that are available. I would hope that in the future, we would always have a spec building available. I think that we build this one right away, get another one going....and then keep on going."

There is no funding allocated for a speculative building, but NGage Executive Director Trevor Lee says there are possible incentives toward a project, such as covering the utility cost, assisting with financing and with marketing the property.

NGage will hold their annual meeting and a banquet, March 1st, at Classic’s Restaurant in Beatrice. Lee says this past year, private entities have invested over $31,000 in the organization, which also receives budget support through the City of Beatrice and Gage County.