800+ jobs could be coming to Falls City

Lucas Froeschl, Executive Director of the Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise, provided an update to the Falls City Council on the progress of the Nebraska Rural Energy Project. The project has secured site control within Falls City Utility jurisdiction, encompassing over 600 acres of land. Froeschl emphasized that the power generation facility is distinct from other infrastructure projects in the area and could potentially surpass the Cooper Nuclear Station in size. With support from federal and state entities, including U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts and Governor Jim Pillen’s administration, the project aims to create 800 full-time jobs over a 10-year buildout period. Plans include leveraging existing infrastructure, such as a 345kV transmission line near Rulo, to facilitate the sale of excess electrical power. The next phase involves establishing a formal partnership structure between Falls City and Nebraska Rural Energy, with construction anticipated to commence in late 2027.