Fremont Mayor Joey Spellerberg announces Wednesday that Fremont has been designated as a Nebraska Municipal Inland Port Authority.
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The timing was perfect for Joey Spellerberg.
The Fremont mayor was able to share some important news about the city and Dodge County during the annual meeting Wednesday of the Greater Fremont Development Council at the Fremont Golf Club.
With Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen in attendance, the mayor announced that Fremont was designated as a Nebraska Municipal Inland Port Authority. The opportunity was created by legislation passed in May of 2021, which approved up to five inland port authorities to be awarded by the state.
“We had been waiting patiently to see if we would be selected as one of the port authorities,” the mayor told the crowd. “Yesterday (Tuesday) we received the official certification from the State of Nebraska that Fremont and Dodge County was selected as one of the first designees as an inland port authority.”
In January of 2022 an interlocal agreement was unanimously passed by the City of Fremont and Dodge County to apply for the designation. Spellerberg noted that there is 1,500 acres of land just south of the Union Pacific line east of Fremont. An application was submitted in October.
Officials believe the port authority is a catalyst to attract new businesses, expand global trade and give local manufacturers an efficient way to reach new markets.
Spellerberg said the district is “a great opportunity to leverage the many advantages of doing business in our community and contribute to a growing state economy.”
In 2022, an Omaha Chamber of Commerce analysis projected annual statewide impact, at full occupancy, for more than $1 billion after 10 years.
“This was a complete community effort by so many people,” the mayor said, “including Dodge County, the City of Fremont, the elected officials, the Greater Fremont Development Council and the State of Nebraska. This took years to set the stage for what this could provide for Fremont, Dodge County and our state going forward. … Congratulations to our community.”
Dodge County Board of Supervisors Board Chairman Bob Missel said he was grateful for the state’s support.
“We deeply appreciate this vote of confidence to move Fremont’s future forward,” he said.
Thanks to an infusion of about $30 million from the Nebraska Rural Project Act, the Greater Fremont Development Council will soon have an engineering firm on board to develop a detailed site plan.
GFDC Executive Director Megan Skiles said it will be a tool to understand the site’s ideal uses and how the best mix of business might come together.
“It is an important investment to make sure this project is a win for the entire community,” she said.
Pillen was the scheduled speaker for the GFDC meeting. His appearance was not connected to the port authority announcement.
