<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0jFYaL_16J0Wrcw00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0jFYaL_16J0Wrcw00" width="1200" height="600" >NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - North Platte’s infrastructure projects have delivered big results over the last five years: 1,211 new homes, 60 new businesses and more than 1,000 new jobs. This success has led to the city’s recertification as an Economic Development Certified Community (EDCC) in Nebraska.The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) announced the recertification this week. EDCC Program Coordinator Ashley Rice-Gerlach recognized city officials, members of the North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corporation and Lincoln County Commissioners for their ongoing leadership on Tuesday, Nov. 4.North Platte first earned EDCC status in 2011, with prior recertifications in 2015 and 2020. It’s one of 40 Nebraska communities holding this distinction. The program, sponsored by the Nebraska Diplomats and administered by the DED, launched in 2005 to help communities attract new industries and support local businesses.Certified communities must involve local businesses in programs that foster a welcoming environment for development. This includes strategic economic planning, documenting available sites and buildings, online marketing and creating local financing and incentive programs. Recertification is required every five years, according to a press release from DED. Growth Fuels DevelopmentNorth Platte has seen significant growth since 2020, driven by strong business recruitment and development. Over the past four years, construction, retail sales and lodging revenues have all increased annually. These activities, combined with rising property valuations and lower local tax levies, have fueled more than $2 billion in new development.One key project: the 50-year-old Platte River Mall is now District 177. Its renovation spurred new retail businesses and 94 new housing units.Gary Person, executive director of the North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corporation, noted the ripple effect. “New infrastructure across North Platte has created a domino effect among investors and contractors who want to contribute to our city’s growth,” Person said. “These community enhancements have increased our downtown building occupancy to 90 percent, and they have also greatly reduced business vacancies in our mall area. Nebraska’s EDCC program supports this type of innovation and creativity in economic development.”Downtown development brought $3 million in new public infrastructure. This included removing old steel awnings, improving exterior features and upgrading business façades. These efforts complemented the rebranding of downtown North Platte as the Canteen District. This district honors the community’s hospitality during World War II, when locals provided meals to traveling service members. The Canteen District joined the National Register of Historic Places in 2020 and is a Certified Creative District by the Nebraska Arts Council.Local and regional leaders were vital in establishing Sustainable Beef’s independent processing plant in North Platte. Nebraska ranchers opened the business in May. At full capacity, it will employ 950 people and process 1,500 cattle daily. Walmart, Inc., is a minority partner, planning to purchase most of the meat processed there.The community-owned Twin Rivers Business Park has also grown, adding 14 new businesses, including an Amazon Distribution Center. Murphy Tractor and Equipment also completed a $12 million expansion on Jeffers Street in April.Housing and Infrastructure BoomNorth Platte leaders have consistently worked to boost the local housing supply. They approved 20 housing projects and subdivision installations. These projects could create up to 2,400 local units; 700 are either complete or under construction. The North Platte Chamber and Development Corporation’s “Shot in the Arm” program, launched in 2015, has incentivized 511 new units.Mayor Brandon Kelliher highlighted the importance of these efforts. “As we create opportunities for new and expanding businesses to succeed, employers will continue to rely on safe and affordable housing for our growing workforce,” Kelliher said. “These investments wouldn’t be possible without local, regional and state partners who are committed to overall progress in our community.”Outside North Platte in Hershey, the Nebraska Legislature and Union Pacific Railroad helped develop the state’s first approved Rural Projects Act industrial rail park. This project will feature a transloading facility, a drop and pull yard and dedicated lots for industrial expansion.In 2023, Nebraska recognized Lincoln County as one of five Inland Port Authorities. The Municipal Inland Port Authority Act promotes multi-modal transportation and goods distribution to support economic growth. Lincoln County’s designation will aid industrial rail park developments and a new business park at North Platte’s Municipal Airport. A $30 million airport project is currently underway to build a new terminal and make other airport improvements.Person emphasized the ongoing support. “Forward thinking, state-level leadership continues to support our efforts to establish long-term growth in North Platte and Lincoln County,” he said. “We have seen remarkable progress here, which has launched our community into a new era of development that should carry on for generations.”Education and Recreation ExpandEducational and recreational opportunities are also expanding. Mid-Plains Community College (MPCC) is growing its Health and Science Center and building a new electrical technology facility. MPCC also partnered with Great Plains Health, the community’s second-largest employer, to expand its nursing program. Great Plains Health recently completed a $30 million primary care center, a $6.8 million neurosurgery center and a new sports medicine therapy complex.Work is in progress on a $55 million recreational center and sports plex project at the city’s current recreation center. Planned improvements include a new aquatic center, pickleball courts, tennis courts, a skate park and expanded walking trails.North Platte received the Nebraska Diplomats’ Economic Development Community of the Year award in 2023 and was the Governor’s Showcase Community in 2021.</div></body>

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NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - North Platte’s infrastructure projects have delivered big results over the last five years: 1,211 new homes, 60 new businesses and more than 1,000 new jobs. This success has led to the city’s recertification as an Economic Development Certified Community (EDCC) in Nebraska. The...

North Platte’s economic growth earns state recertification

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NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - North Platte’s infrastructure projects have delivered big results over the last five years: 1,211 new homes, 60 new businesses 

North Platte’s economic growth earns state recertification

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