Blue Earth County commissioners voted Aug. 19 to authorize submission of a Minnesota Highway Freight Program grant application and to commit required local matching funds for a proposed reconstruction of County State-Aid Highway 5, including a grade-separated interchange with U.S. Highway 14 in Mankato. County staff described the application as part of the county's forthcoming 2026–2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and said the project is planned as an illustrative 2030 project.

County engineer Ryan Tillich (presentation by staff) described the scope as reconstruction of CSAH 5 from Cleveland Street to Summit Avenue, including a grade-separated interchange at US 14, with future ramp roundabouts proposed. Staff said the county intends to include the project in the TIP pending public comment and anticipates applying to MnDOT for Minnesota Highway Freight Program funding with applications due Sept. 3, 2025. The board moved to approve the resolution authorizing application, allowing the county engineer to sign the funding application and committing to provide the necessary matching funds if the grant is awarded. The motion passed on a voice vote.

Staff and commissioners noted the action puts the county in position to compete for state freight dollars and advised the TIP will be published for public comment prior to final adoption.