GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- Improvements to railroads and supply chains across Nebraska and across the country are on the way.

U-S Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited Grand Island on Monday to announce one-point-four billion dollars of investment in railroad projects nationwide. The improvements are part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act passed in 2021.

Buttigieg made the announcement in Nebraska to demonstrate how the railroad projects will benefit a diverse selection of Americans.

"We wanted to emphasize that communities of all sizes and types are benefiting. This is not the country's biggest railroad, but it is very, very important in this region. These short lines are a really important part of how we get good to where they need to be. Of course, that's going to make a difference to the economy around this part of Nebraska."

Just over 15 million dollars are going to Nebraska for the Cornhusker Railroad Regional Connectivity Project. The project will be help Cathcart Rail to redo its short track, upgrade railroad crossings and expand its railcar repair facilities.

Local officials say the money will lead to more jobs and a more efficient local supply chain.