State Awards $885K to Pleasant Prairie for Rail Project

MADISON, Wis. (WRJN) – Gov. Tony Evers announced an $885,000 state grant to the village of Pleasant Prairie for a rail project that will enable packaging company WestRock to open a new $140 million manufacturing facility, creating 177 jobs.

The Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation will fund construction of a rail spur connecting WestRock’s planned 590,000-square-foot box plant to the Union Pacific Railroad mainline.

“This investment will help support continued growth, create jobs and build needed infrastructure now and into the future,” Evers said. “I look forward to seeing this facility grow Wisconsin’s economy.”

The rail connection at the 190-acre site near County Highway H and 95th Street will allow WestRock to transport oversized paper rolls for manufacturing more efficiently by rail instead of truck. Officials estimate one rail car can carry the equivalent of four to six truckloads.

WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said the grant was “critical in attracting this business” and applauded Evers’ vision to invest in sustainable transportation solutions that reduce costs and energy consumption.

The new plant will help Atlanta-based WestRock meet growing demand for packaging from customers across the Great Lakes region. Its products include corrugated containers, folding cartons, paperboard and other packaging materials serving retail, food, industrial and other markets.

“The TEA grant program is essential in attracting new business, fostering job opportunities and boosting Wisconsin’s reputation,” said Pleasant Prairie Village Administrator Eric Rindfleisch. He said the rail spur will enhance material delivery and reduce truck traffic.

The project secured necessary local approvals, including from the village Plan Commission. Two additional industrial buildings planned nearby could also utilize the rail spur.