NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — Railroads built Nebraska and helped usher in some of the state’s earliest economic benefits, ProRail Nebraska leader Bob Kuzelka told a group gathered Tuesday night at the town’s public library.

“And now they can do it again,” he said, advocating for expanded passenger rail in the state to increase transportation options and grow tourism and commercial development along rail routes. “At every stop, lots of people get on, people get off.”

Kuzelka was among a trio of speakers on the third leg of a five-stop town hall tour organized by State Sen. Margo Juarez of Omaha and ProRail to educate Nebraskans on the possibilities and benefits of passenger rail options, gauge interest and broaden support. ProRail is associated with the Rail Passenger Association and seeks improved passenger rail and other forms of surface public transportation serving Nebraska. The feedback the group and Juarez seek is for a legislative interim study also evaluating existing passenger rail infrastructure in Nebraska. Juarez and other advocates say they recognize the cost and that resistance by some, including state officials, signals a tough road ahead for expanded passenger rail options.

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