Now that committee hearings have ended, all-day floor debate begins. It is likely that several bills will be filibustered, but all-day floor debate will allow General File filibusters to take place in just over one day as opposed to taking nearly a full week. But still, there are several bills yet to be heard, including my priority bill, LB526.

I was honored to join our federal delegation in speaking this past Monday at the grand opening of Sustainable Beef. This project, like most large projects, took years to plan and bring to this point. Many people were involved in making this project come to pass. Clearly, the organizers and investors played a huge role, but the city, planning and zoning board, community redevelopment association, and state also played a role in getting the proper approvals and assisting with the project. But in the end, the organizers took a huge risk to make all this possible, and we all should be grateful. These opportunities don’t come along every day.

This project will have a huge impact on the entire region once it opens. The 850 plus jobs directly related to the project will be just the beginning. This project will not only positively impact the price of locally sourced cattle but will also have a positive impact on cow/calf producers. When more families locate here to fill the jobs created, they need a place to live, their children attend our schools, and all our retailers grow their sales. Growing the base also brings more retail, more housing, and all the amenities you find in urban areas while preserving the benefits of rural life. All this activity increases our property tax base and sales tax base, spreading the tax load over a broader base. It also grows the state’s economy, increasing the income tax base.

I have often said that economic development projects usually begin by having a competitive advantage over other locations. This project is a great example of utilizing built-in synergies. North Platte is at the nexus of access to cattle, an interstate and highway, and access to distribution infrastructure, which made it an ideal location for Sustainable Beef.

The same holds true when locating feedyards in west-central Nebraska. The primary reason for locating here is the climate. Because we have lower humidity, winter cold weather feels less cold, and the summer heat is less intense. The lighter soil reduces muddy conditions in late spring. The relatively less concentrated rural population base allows for greater distance between feedyards and their closest neighbors, reducing the risk of odors causing issues. And again, the interstate and nearby packing plants make this area a great place for area cow/calf producers to place quality feeder cattle in area feedyards and ultimately into this plant.

Special thanks to Gary Person, President and CEO of the North Platte Area Chamber and Development Corporation, and Brandon Kelliher, Mayor of North Platte, who helped the organizers navigate the process and get this project to the finish line.

Like the organizers said, Sustainable Beef was possible because of the right people being in the right place at the right time.

I look forward to continuing to hear from you about issues that are important to you. It is a privilege to serve as your State Senator, and I will continue to give my full effort to make a positive difference for the District and the State. You can reach me at mjacobson@leg.ne.gov or 402-471-2729.