JBS breaks ground on hike and bike trail in Grand Island

GRAND ISLAND, NE — Workers at one of Nebraska’s largest meatpacking plants will soon have an alternative way to get to work.

Food processing giant JBS broke ground on Tuesday on an expansion of Grand Island’s hike and bike trail. The existing trail will be extended eastward by one mile and will lead up to the JBS plant. The trail will be 10 feet wide and constructed of six-inch thick concrete.

“We are proud to break ground on this important community resource that will provide a safe route to our facility as well as a recreational area for community members,”JBS Grand Island General Manager Mathew Trowbridge said in a news release. “We hope this extension of the hike and bike trail will serve our team members and neighbors for many years to come.”

The $500,000 project is part of the company’s $5.25 million investment in Grand Island through the Hometown Strong program.

“JBS is making a big impact in Grand Island with the Hometown Strong initiative,” Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele said. “The hike and bike trail is extremely popular with residents in Grand Island, and extending the trail will add safety, connectivity and will be a great addition to the trail system.”

The trail is expected to be finished by the end of the summer.