Despite a threat that the Katy Trail Depot restoration wasn't going to happen, the project is moving forward. Jason Schantz, representing Boonslick Regional Planning Commission, told Marthasville city officials last week that MoDOT's Historic Preservation office "red flagged" two criteria that it felt weren't going to be met and could devalue the significance of the planned relocation and use of the structure. A state official wanted to see at least 75 percent of the original structure be reused when it was moved and also was concerned that the depot was not going to be moved in one piece. The state office also wanted a waiting room, which would have been an addition to the depot structure, to not be included since it was not part of the original layout. Schantz said he had a 24-hour period to convince the historic preservation office that the stringent requirements would be followed in order for it to proceed. "It will be a better project in the long run," he said. "That last hiccup we had, we were probably one phone call away from losing the project altogether. We now have everybody on board." At last Tuesday's aldermanic meeting, board members authorized Mayor Dale Verges to sign a memorandum of understanding related to the requirements for the depot project. The agreement also will be signed by the Marthasville Chamber of Commerce, Federal Highway Administration, MoDOT and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The Katy Trail Depot project involves moving the existing structure located near MFA south to the trailhead next to One Street. The existing pavilion would be the city's property and be relocated elsewhere. The depot, to be used as a welcome center and museum, will be the only one restored and still located on the Katy Trail. The restoration project is being funded through a $219,000 grant awarded in 2007 through the Missouri Department of Transportation Enhancement Fund Program. Joe McGowan, of Cochran Engineering, said the 75 percent mark of used materials can be achieved through reusing the rafters and many of the studs already there. He did note that the entire floor will have to be replaced. Regarding the tear down, McGowan said it's hard to gauge how big the segments will be until work begins. Schantz also informed city officials last week the depot project should generate statewide publicity through DNR's public relations staff and be tied to the 20th anniversary of the Katy Trail. He said a groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively scheduled to be held May 1. A ceremony also is being proposed on June 21 as participants in the Katy Trail ride, a biking event that begins at St. Charles and ends at Clinton, will be staying overnight in Marthasville on the first leg of the trip. A dedication and grand opening celebration would then be held sometime in the fall once the depot is restored and relocated. "They (DNR) are real excited about the depot project and consider that a jewel of the trail," Schantz said. "We would get free statewide exposure." Last year, the city and Chamber signed an agreement that will cost only $10 to lease DNR's property at the trailhead for 25 years once the depot is relocated. According to the agreement, the city and Chamber will be responsible for maintaining the trailhead by mowing the grass around the depot and parking lot and keeping the restrooms stocked and cleaned. All the supplies needed for the bathrooms, such as toilet paper and soap, will be furnished by the DNR. The state agency also is allowing the city and Chamber to keep the restrooms open year-round, provided the local entities pay costs associated with installing a heating system for the winter.