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Economic Impact Of Railroad Branch-Line Abandonments: Results Of A Southcentral Nebraska Case Study, Dale G. Anderson, Floyd D. Gaibler, Mary Berglund

Department of Agricultural Economics: Faculty Publications

Some 249 miles of Nebraska rail line have been abandoned since 1963; another 310 miles are in contention at abandonment proceedings. The abandonment of these and other lines could have serious economic implications for grain elevators, farmers, and rural communities.

Track abandonment is occurring during a time of rapid expansion in the grain industry. U. S. corn and grain sorghum production increased more than 40 percent during the decade ending in 1973. Exports of these commodities increased 157 percent during the same period. Increases in grain production and exports, along with a shorter harvest season, are placing great strains on …