Mankato(KMKO)-A long time district engineer for the Minnesota Department of Transportation in Mankato is stepping down.  James Swanson has been with MnDOT for 44 years.  Swanson has been the district engineer in Mankato from 1993 to 1999 and again from 2003 to present. The Mankato MnDOT headquarters, along with the Windom office, oversees the state transportation system in 13 counties in south central and southwestern Minnesota. Under Swanson’s leadership, the district has made significant improvements to major corridors including Highway 169, Highway 14 and Highway 60. He was also instrumental in starting the Mankato Area Transportation Partnership.  A reception honoring the Mankato resident will be held on Wednesday, June 27, from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the new MnDOT headquarters, 2151 Bassett Drive, Mankato.