NORTH PLATTE, NEB. – The Community Redevelopment Authority (CRA) of North Platte, Neb., met on Nov. 29 to approve the cost-benefit analysis and redevelopment plan for the new beef processing facility run by Sustainable Beef LLC.

During the meeting, led by Chairman Mike Jacobson, the CRA approved a $21.5 million tax increment financing (TIF) bond that will be voted on by the North Platte City Council on Dec. 7. The board advanced this project by a unanimous vote. 

Sustainable Beef plans to build a 300,000-square-foot plant that will cost more than $300 million. The company, which originally released its proposal for the facility in March 2021, plans to employ 875 people and slaughter 1,500 head of cattle per day.

Jacobson said members of the CRA and representatives from the city council recently visited a similar size beef processing plant in Kuna, Idaho, owned by CS Beef Packers. 

“I would tell you that at this point I am an adamant supporter and I think that the benefits of this plant are going to far outweigh any negatives that would occur,” Jacobson said of the new plant project. 

The cost-benefit analysis for the beef plant was led by Ernie Goss, an economist at Creighton University. 

David Briggs, chief executive officer for Sustainable Beef, addressed the CRA following the approval. He said the company has its lender secured for the project and that 23 cattle supply contracts have been signed for the new plant. 

He also stated that Fort Morgan, Colo.-based Schmeeckle Brothers Construction would be building the facility.

“I really think North Platte is the right place, so we appreciate all of your support,” Briggs said. 

If the project is approved by the city council, construction can begin within 30 days. The new plant will be built on a former wastewater treatment lagoon. The land was appraised for $142,000.