Proposed 2026 Community Investment Plan

The Balcerzak water tower is in need of important repairs to maintain safety and extend lifespan. Over time, areas of the tower have developed issues, like coating failures at weld seams, rust on rooftop support beams, and additional issues with paint. The interior spiral staircase also needs to be removed, and repairs are needed for parts of the foundation where concrete has deteriorated.

This project will fully rehabilitate the structure to prevent further damage, improve safety, and ensure the tower remains in good condition for many years to come.

Funding Sources:
The project is fully funded through the City’s Capital Replacement Account, with a total investment of $1.95 million.

Air traffic at the Mankato Regional Airport has grown significantly in recent years. To ensure continued safety in the skies, a new Air Traffic Control Tower will be constructed. This tower will help manage and guide aircraft more efficiently, reducing the risk of mid-air collisions and improving overall air traffic safety in the region.

A preliminary cost-benefit analysis indicates that the project may qualify for reimbursement through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), helping reduce local costs. This is an important investment in the airport’s future and the safety of all who fly in and out of Mankato.

Funding Sources:

• Federal Funding (FAA): $16,290,000
  The majority of the project is expected to be funded through the FAA, which supports infrastructure projects that enhance air traffic safety.

• Other Sources: $1,810,000
  This portion may include state contributions, airport revenues, or other eligible funding partners.

• Total Project Cost: $18,100,000

This funding structure reflects a strong federal investment in local infrastructure, minimizing the financial burden on the community.

Veteran’s Bridge is scheduled for a rehabilitation project in 2025, led by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). This important project is focused on extending the life of the bridge through necessary maintenance and structural improvements, ensuring it remains safe and reliable.

Total estimated cost is $15.2 million. The City of Mankato will contribute $6.95 million, while MnDOT will seek funding for the remaining $8.25 million.

As a key transportation route in our community, maintaining Veteran’s Bridge is essential for both safety and long-term cost savings by avoiding more extensive repairs or replacement in the future. More information will be shared with the public as the project timeline and construction plans are finalized.

Funding Sources
Funding sources for Veteran’s Bridge Rehabilitation Project total $15,252,000 and are divided as follows:

• Other Sources (City Share): $6,952,000

• State Funding (MnDOT Share): $8,300,000

The four-year construction project is underway. The original components, built in 1956, will be replaced with new facilities focused on increased capacity and improved efficiency. These important upgrades are needed to help improve the digestion process and solids handling.

The WRRF is a regional asset that serves 65,000 people in Mankato, Eagle Lake, Madison Lake, North Mankato, Skyline, South Bend Township, and the Lake Washington Sanitary Sewer District. The city of Lake Crystal is in the planning stages of connecting to the WRRF. In addition, the cities of Granite Falls and Walnut Grove, the Lower Sioux Indian Community, Granite Falls Energy and Archer Daniels Midland in Marshall benefit through phosphorus trading credits.

Funding Sources:
Nearly half of the cost, $35 million, was awarded to the City by the Minnesota Legislature as a 2023 capital bonding project.

Funding has been allocated to maintain and upgrade park shelters throughout the City of Mankato. As part of this effort, both shelters at Highland Park are scheduled for improvements.

• Shelter #2 (East Side): Structural repairs, fresh paint, and concrete work to improve safety and appearance.

• Shelter #1 (West Side): Electrical repairs, new siding on the gable ends, refreshed ceilings, paint, and concrete repairs.

These updates will help bring the shelters up to modern standards, make them easier to maintain, and ensure they match other recent improvements in the park—creating a more enjoyable and consistent experience for everyone.

Funding Sources:

• Capital Replacement Account: $230,000
  This funding comes from a City account set aside specifically for maintaining and replacing public infrastructure, including park facilities. It will be used over the next several years to support shelter upgrades.

• Other Sources: $100,000
  Additional funding may come from grants, partnerships, or other external sources to help support the project.

• Total Investment: $330,000
  This investment will help maintain and improve park shelters throughout Mankato, starting with Highland Park in 2025.

Renovation of the current 6 pickleball courts located at Tourtellotte Park.

Funding Source:
The project is fully funded through the City’s Capital Replacement Account, with a total investment of $750,000

The first phase of improvements will include installation of four heat pumps. Currently, the space is serviced only by a large air handler on the roof of the seven story building without sufficient power to supply the space below. The project will also include improvements to the heating in the vestibules, stairways, and the addition of air curtains at the main entrances to reduce the infiltration of cold air in the winter months. This project is planned for 2027.

Funding sources:
The project is fully funded through the City’s Capital Replacement Account, with a total investment of $425,000

Creation of an impound area at 117 Rogers Street will allow for shared resources and cost savings.

Funding Sources:
The project is fully funded through the City’s Capital Replacement Account, with a total investment of $110,000

The project will include a new raised concrete sidewalk along the northbound side of the road, updates to the stormwater intake system, fresh paint, and electrical upgrades.

Funding Sources:
This project is funded through local sales tax, with a total investment of $75,000.

The City will be reconstructing Rita Road from Monks Avenue to the end of the street. This work will include replacing water, sewer, and stormwater systems.

This project is the first phase of the Rita Road Neighborhood Construction Plan. This area is one of the few remaining neighborhoods without proper underground drainage systems, which help manage stormwater and prevent flooding. Many of the utilities are aging, such as, the water pipes which were installed in the late 1950s are made of cast iron. The sewer pipes are made of clay and are prone to leaks and becoming damaged by root systems.

The neighborhood has experienced drainage problems because much of the area relies on surface drainage, and the current street grading doesn’t allow water to flow efficiently to existing storm sewers. The northern part of Rita Road and Monks Avenue already have storm sewer, but the eastern part of Rita Road, as well as Meadow Lane and Welcome Avenue, depend on surface drainage.

The City plans to reconstruct the neighborhood in multiple phases to address drainage issues, replace aging utilities, and improve overall infrastructure for residents. The project is planned for 2027.

Funding Sources:

• Loan/Bond Proceeds: $293,000
• Sewer Revenue: $392,000
• Special Assessments:$818,000
• Stormwater Revenue: $391,000
• Water Revenue: $435,000
• Total: $2,329,000