Falls City Lands Major Energy Project, Promising 800+ Jobs

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Falls City's economic development agency announced a major new energy project that could bring over 800 full-time jobs to the area over a 10-year buildout period. The Nebraska Rural Energy Project has secured site control for over 600 acres of land within the Falls City Utility jurisdiction and plans to leverage existing infrastructure like a 345kV transmission line to sell excess electrical power.

Why it matters

This large-scale energy project represents a significant economic opportunity for Falls City, which has struggled with job losses and population decline in recent decades. The influx of 800 new jobs could transform the local economy and provide a much-needed boost to the community.

The details

The project is being led by the Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise, with support from federal and state entities including U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts and Governor Jim Pillen's administration. The power generation facility is distinct from other infrastructure projects in the area and could potentially surpass the nearby Cooper Nuclear Station in size. The next phase involves establishing a formal partnership structure between Falls City and Nebraska Rural Energy, with construction anticipated to commence in late 2027.

• The project has secured site control within Falls City Utility jurisdiction, encompassing over 600 acres of land.
• Construction on the power generation facility is anticipated to commence in late 2027.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The next phase involves establishing a formal partnership structure between Falls City and Nebraska Rural Energy, with construction anticipated to commence in late 2027.