Though a few hiccups have occurred along the way, the Katy Trail Depot restoration project continues to move forward. Jason Schantz, of Boonslick Regional Planning Commission, said he anticipates the …
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Though a few hiccups have occurred along the way, the Katy Trail Depot restoration project continues to move forward.
Jason Schantz, of Boonslick Regional Planning Commission, said he anticipates the bidding process to begin later this month. At that time, site work at the Department of Natural Resources trailhead, where the depot will be relocated to, will also start.
Schantz said Joe McGowan, of Cochran Engineering, is in the process of finalizing the construction drawings. He added that officials from the Marthasville Area Chamber of Commerce and city are working to put together a list of workers and qualifications.
Once those items are completed, they must be approved by MoDOT before bidding can begin.
“Hopefully people will see dirt moving by the end of July,” Schantz said.
The depot project involves moving the existing structure, located near the MFA plant, south to the trailhead next to Highway D. The existing pavilion would be the city’s property and be relocated elsewhere, most likely to Wessel Park.
The depot will be used as a welcome center and museum.
The restoration project is being funded through a $219,000 grant awarded in 2007 by the Missouri Department of Transportation Enhancement Fund Program. The city and Chamber will be responsible for 21 percent of the overall cost, which will be accomplished through volunteer labor, donated materials and equipment, and cash. The remaining 79 percent, which amounts to $171,700, will come from federal and state funds.
“I think it’s great for the city,” Schantz said. “It will be an asset to the downtown area that could spark some interest.”
A ceremony is scheduled to be held on Sept. 25, although Schantz doesn’t expect the project to be completed by then. Nonetheless, the event is expected to draw statewide coverage since the project will tie in with the 20th anniversary of the Katy Trail.
Related to the depot project, Marthasville aldermen voted at their last meeting on June 8 to accept the pavilion currently located at the trailhead.
Noting that the city had previously agreed to accept the pavilion, Schantz approached the city after members of the Marthasville Community Club indicated an interest in using the structure.
After much back-and-forth discussion, the board decided again to find a way to utilize the pavilion. Two ideas thrown out were a campground or flea market.
“I think it’s an asset to the city,” Alderman Leo Tobben said. “I don’t think we should give it away.”
Last year, the city and Chamber signed an agreement to pay $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 property by mowing the grass and keeping the restrooms stocked and cleaned.
All the supplies needed for the bathrooms will be furnished by DNR. The state agency is allowing the city and Chamber to keep the restrooms open year-round. The local entities will have to pay costs associated with installing a heating system for the winter.
