The third area of interest for Mankato involves potential funding for freight rail improvements. The statewide rail plan will identify bottlenecks in the movement of freight in Minnesota, with the goal of targeting those for future improvements.

Mankato officials are hoping that could mean a better rail corridor through the city, both to improve safety and reduce the noise associated with whistles when freight trains reach the frequent street crossings.

The Union Pacific and the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad, which is now owned by the Canadian Pacific, share the Mankato corridor and are making major investments in rail line improvements near here, Hentges said.

“They’re talking millions of dollars on either side of Mankato to upgrade the track,” he said.

At some point, the incentive is going to exist to improve the movement of trains through the city, and state and federal funding could help make for the safe and whistle-free corridor Mankato officials have been seeking.

“The railroads still have to invest a pile of money to ultimately make it happen,” Hentges said.