NMC Railway Systems hosts Rep. Ashford for tour, discussion

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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Rep. Ashford touring NMC Railway Systems’ Omaha facility

Rep. Brad Ashford (D-NE-2) joined representatives from NMC Railway Systems for a tour of the company's Omaha facility and discussion of public policy priorities for the local business and rail communities.

 

The Railway Engineering-Maintenance and Suppliers Association (REMSA) coordinated the Sept. 2 event, which saw Rep. Ashford learning about NMC Railway Systems’ maintenance-of-way equipment, as well as how the company employs more than 680 throughout the state and region.

“The railroads are vital to Nebraska’s economy and job creation in the state,” said NMC Railway Systems President Nicholas Mizaur, who led the tour. “We look forward to sharing our experiences and discussing issues critical to the continued success of the railroad industry.”

Talking points during the group discussion included the private nature of America’s freight railroad network, the approaching deadline for positive train control and the importance of supporting shortline railroads.

Rep. Ashford, who is not a current co-sponsor of H.R. 721, which is legislation that would extend the tax credit permitted shortline railroads, pledged his future support of the legislation.

“In my eight months on the House Agriculture Committee I have seen first-hand how government can help and hinder locally operated firms, such as NMC Railway [Systems],” said Rep Ashford. “I will work to remove unnecessary red tape that impedes these companies.”

In Nebraska, twelve freight railroads operate and maintain more than 3,300 miles of track and support more than 12,000 jobs. Farm and food products accounted for approximately 72 percent of all rail traffic originated in Nebraska, followed by chemicals – mostly bioenergy – and stone and gravel.

NMC Railway Systems provides m/w equipment and specialized equipment solutions to the rail industry. Its parent company, NMC Inc., has served the industry since 1938. Due to the success and growth of its railway division, NMC Inc. incorporated NMC Railway Systems in 2008 to meet the expanded demands of the rail industry.

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