The City of McCook and Red Willow County are Committed to Serving its Citizens McCook

News Release

For Immediate Release

For more information contact:

Molly Smith, Public Information Officer

308-345-1200 (option 3) or pio@mccookne.org

August 21, 2025

Neb. - Officials from Red Willow County, the City of McCook, and the McCook Economic Development Corporation, speaking as part of a unified collective, are committed to transparency and community-focused development as the U.S.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement announces plans to establish a new facility in McCook. This facility will replace the existing Work Ethic Camp, which currently operates on property owned by the State of Nebraska.

While located within Red Willow County, the Work Ethic Camp sits on state-owned land.

Because it is State of Nebraska owned property, the zoning regulations and procedures that apply to standard use matters, do not apply. This distinction, which is rooted in the Supremacy Clause, means that the state may proceed independently of local zoning ordinances. To this end, the State of Nebraska was not required to ask for a special exception when the Work Ethic Camp was approved for construction. While this may limit local control over the project, officials remain focused on what matters most, specifically the well-being of our citizens and the continued prosperity efforts of the Red Willow County community.

"Our priority is to continue building a community where people are proud to live, work, and play," said representatives from the team. "We are actively engaged in projects that reflect our shared vision for McCook's future."

Among these initiatives are several projects already underway:

• P.F.C. Gerald L. Walters Youth Sports Complex is a voter-approved recreational amenity that will provide expanded sports and recreation activities for residents and visitors, new commercial opportunities for businesses, and a single-family/multi-family residential housing development. The same ballot initiative paved the way for the new McCook Aquatic Park, which opened in 2024.

• The expansion of the McCook Industrial Park Phase Il has commenced, creating new railroad accessible lots that will support industrial development and economic growth.

• The North Pointe Subdivision is a residential development led by MEDC and the City of McCook which will provide 27 new residential lots meeting the growing housing demands of our community.

While the placement of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Red Willow County represents a federal and state-level decision, local leaders remain committed to ensuring that McCook and Red Willow County continue to be safe for people to raise families. Red Willow County, the City of McCook, and MEDC will continue its efforts to develop McCook and the surrounding area through strategic planning, community engagement, and responsible stewardship of public resources.

"We understand that change can bring questions," said city and county officials. "But we are confident in the direction we're heading and proud of the incredible momentum we're seeing in McCook and Red Willow County."

At this time, information is limited, but as it becomes available, we will make sure to share it with the community. The residents of Red Willow County and McCook are our top priority and we are committed to doing everything we can to keep everyone informed, supported, and prepared as we move forward together.