Proposed 2027 Community Investment Plan

The City of Mankato is planning to resurface the tennis courts at Alexander Park and Erlandson Park to improve the playing surfaces and extend the life of the courts.

The resurfacing work will include cleaning and washing the courts, milling, routing and filling cracks, patching low areas, and applying a new color coating and striping.

Funding Sources:

• Capital Replacement Account: $175,000

Total Funding: $175,000

The City of Mankato is continuing its multi-phase plan to improve infrastructure in the Long Street neighborhood. This next phase will focus on replacing aging underground utilities, including the watermain, sanitary sewer, and stormwater systems, along with complete street reconstruction.

The neighborhood’s watermain and sanitary sewer infrastructure dates back to the mid-1950s. The watermain is made of cast iron, which is susceptible to corrosion and has contributed to frequent watermain breaks in the area.

The sanitary sewer system is made of vitrified clay, which can become vulnerable to leaks and root intrusion as it ages.

As part of the street reconstruction, traffic calming amenities are planned to discourage cut-through traffic and create a safer environment for pedestrians. Sidewalk improvements identified in the City’s Critical Link Sidewalk Plan may also be included to enhance walkability and connectivity in the neighborhood.

Reconstruction will continue to occur in multiple phases to manage costs and minimize disruption.

Project Funding:

• Loan/Bond Proceeds: $380,000

• Other Sources: $1,500,000

• Sewer Revenue: $477,795

• Special Assessments: $800,000

• Stormwater Revenue: 1,260,740

• Water Revenue: $671,420

Total Funding: $5,089,955

The City of Mankato is planning a complete remodel of the Banquet Hall restrooms located on the first and second floors of the original Mankato Civic Center building.

The plumbing in these restrooms has experienced several failures in recent years. Because much of the piping is located within the walls, the restrooms will be fully demolished and reconstructed with new finishes.

Existing fixtures will be reused where possible. Faucets and flushometers were replaced in recent years and will be salvaged for use in the remodeled restrooms.

Project Funding:

• Sales Tax: 325,000

Total Funding: $325,000

The City of Mankato is planning a corridor study to evaluate pedestrian and bicycle safety along Monks Avenue, with a focus on intersections that experience a high number of pedestrian and bicycle crossings.

The study follows a request received in late 2025 from the Student Government at Minnesota State University, Mankato to review Monks Avenue and consider potential pedestrian safety improvements. City staff have also been in contact with Minnesota State University, Mankato officials as planning for the study moves forward.

The study will evaluate existing conditions and identify potential improvements to enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians and bicyclists traveling along the corridor.

Potential recommendations from the study may be incorporated into the planned 2028 Monks Avenue Resurfacing project, providing an opportunity to address pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements as part of the larger roadway project.

Project Funding:

• Loan/Bonds Proceeds: $100,000

• Other Sources: $100,000

Total Funding: $200,000

The City of Mankato will reconstruct Rita Road as the first phase of the Rita Road Neighborhood Construction Plan. The project will include replacing the watermain, sanitary sewer, and stormwater utilities, along with reconstructing the roadway surface and adding subsurface drainage.

The neighborhood is one of the few remaining areas without underdrain, which contributes to ongoing drainage issues. The watermain and sanitary sewer systems date back to the late 1950s. The watermain is made of cast iron, which is susceptible to corrosion and rust over time. The sanitary sewer is made of vitrified clay, which can become vulnerable to leaks and root intrusion as it ages.

The primary need for reconstruction is to address drainage problems and aging utilities. The neighborhood currently lacks storm sewer throughout much of the area, resulting in drainage challenges.

The City plans to reconstruct the neighborhood in multiple phases to address drainage issues, replace aging infrastructure, and improve the overall condition of the area. Meadow Lane and Welcome Avenue are proposed for reconstruction in 2029 as part of the next phases of the neighborhood construction plan.

No sidewalks or trails are currently planned along Rita Road under the City's Critical Link Sidewalk Plan.

Funding Sources:

• Loan/Bond Proceeds: $430,000
• Sewer Revenue: $370,440
• Special Assessments: $485,200
• Stormwater Revenue: $799,720
• Water Revenue: $455,480

Total Funding: $2,540,840

The City of Mankato is evaluating improvements to stabilize the slope along Shiloh Court, where ongoing erosion has been encroaching toward nearby homes.

BARR Engineering is completing a feasibility study, which is expected to be completed by late summer. The project will evaluate measures to slow and distribute water flowing through the ravine to reduce erosion and stabilize areas affected by erosion in recent years.

The goal of the project is to stabilize the slope and help prevent further erosion and encroachment toward nearby homes.

Project Funding:

• Stormwater Revenue: $1,000,000

Total Funding: $1,000,000

The City of Mankato is planning improvements at West Mankato Park to update aging park amenities. The project will include replacing the existing shelter and making improvements to the playground and sidewalks.

The playground equipment and shelter are nearing the end of their useful life and require replacement. These improvements will help maintain safe, functional, and accessible amenities for residents and park visitors.

Funding Sources:

• Capital Replacement Account: $60,000

Total Funding: $60,000