By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post
LINCOLN, Neb. — Gov. Jim Pillen is signaling Nebraska’s support for Union Pacific’s proposed merger with Norfolk Southern, pointing to job growth and the potential creation of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad.
The statement follows Union Pacific’s announcement that it and Norfolk Southern have filed an application with the Surface Transportation Board seeking federal approval. In its submission, Union Pacific projects the addition of more than 500 new managerial positions at its Omaha headquarters.
“With continued investment in its Omaha-based headquarters and the people of this great state, we are proud to support Union Pacific’s efforts to create the nation’s first transcontinental railroad,” Pillen said. “A Nebraska-born and grown business, UP helps our farming and ranching families feed the world and transports the materials that are building the future of our country. Nebraska — a friend to business and perfectly located to serve as a nationwide transportation hub — is proud to be home of UP’s past and future successes.”
Union Pacific’s ties to Nebraska date back more than 160 years. The railroad was created in 1862 after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act, and the company laid its first track in Omaha in 1865. Since then, Union Pacific has maintained its headquarters and long-standing presence in the state.
According to Union Pacific, approval of the merger would reshape freight rail service nationwide by transforming “10,000 existing lanes from interline service into faster, more efficient single-line service – eliminating time-consuming handoffs between railroads.”
The proposed merger now awaits review by the Surface Transportation Board, which will evaluate its potential economic, transportation, and competitive impacts before issuing a decision.