The finish line is in sight for a project that has been years in the making. The Katy Trail Depot restoration project should be completed by the end of March, according to Trei Irwin, Marthasville Area Chamber of Commerce member. Irwin acknowledged the depot is coming along despite several delays since grant funds were received in 2007 and the project bid was awarded in 2010. The most recent setback occurred when materials needed to help finish the project were not immediately available and had to be placed on back order. Until then, Chamber members were hoping to have the project wrapped up by March 1. "We are making progress, but not as fast as we would like," Irwin said. The depot project involved moving the existing deteriorating structure, previously located near the MFA plant, south to the trailhead next to Highway D. Prior to that, a pavilion formerly at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' trailhead was accepted by the city and relocated to the Marthasville City Park. Some wood flooring still needs to be installed and stained, according to Irwin, and trim also needs to be placed in some areas inside the depot. Most of the work that needs to be finished is on the exterior. The area around the depot needs to be seeded and graded and then sidewalks can be poured around the restored structure. A lamp post also will be erected. Volunteers are needed to help complete the project. Anyone interested in helping can contact Irwin at 636-262-8877. Once completed, the depot will be the only one restored and still located on the Katy Trail. The depot is expected to be used as a welcome center and museum and also will provide space for group events. Irwin said an open house and ceremony will be scheduled to celebrate the project in the future. "We are starting to hear a lot of positive feedback from people in town," he said. The depot project is being funded through a $217,342 grant awarded in 2007 by the Missouri Department of Transportation Enhancement Fund Program. The city and Chamber are responsible for 21 percent of the overall cost, or $45,642, which will be accomplished through volunteer labor, donated materials and equipment, and cash. The remaining 79 percent, which amounted to $171,700, will come from federal and state funds. As part of the grant requirements, at least 75 percent of the original depot structure had to be reused when it was moved. In 2009, the city and Chamber signed an agreement to pay $10 to lease DNR's property at the trailhead for 25 years once the depot was relocated. According to the agreement, the city and Chamber will be responsible for maintaining the property by mowing the grass and keeping the restrooms stocked and cleaned. All the supplies needed for the bathrooms will be furnished by DNR.