Canteen District on Track for Success with Union Pacific Grant

North Platte Area Chamber & Development Corp

North Platte, NE, September 9, 2024 – The Canteen District is the proud recipient of a Union Pacific Railroad Community Ties Giving Program grant, which will construct a public art piece to replicate the historic North Platte Canteen story in which to promote, represent, and foster an environment to Downtown North Platte.

“The Canteen District is incredibly grateful to work together with Union Pacific and our community partners to honor the history of the North Platte Canteen. This grant will significantly enhance our ability to contribute a meaningful and lasting artistic landmark to the community,” states Shae Caldwell, Canteen District President.

Union Pacific’s Community Ties Giving Program provides small- and medium-sized grants that align with the railroad’s priority cause areas in safety, workforce development, community vitality and environmental sustainability.

“Local grants have the power to create meaningful change within the communities our tracks touch,”  said Beth Whited, Union Pacific President and Union Pacific Foundation President. “We are proud to partner with nonprofit organizations who are making an impact on the future – creating safer places for children and families; bringing economic prosperity to communities; building vibrant, inclusive areas for people to thrive; and instilling sustainable practices.”

The funds will be allocated towards the fabrication and installation of the public art piece that will tell the North Platte Canteen story. The project aims to honor the remarkable history of the Canteen during World War II and its profound impact on our community, the Canteen ladies and the servicemen who passed through North Platte.  The public art piece will sit at the corner of 6th and Jeffers Street, with the original Canteen depot destination in the background.