Opp was awarded a $400,000 grant Tuesday to rehabilitate its depot.

Funding comes through Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and was authorized by the Federal Highway Administration’s Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, said Rebecca White of the state department of transportation.

Opp Mayor John Bartholomew said the grant requires a 20 percent match from the city and funds will be used to also install a new roof.

“The plan is for this facility to be a welcome center for our city, that will hopefully house the Chamber of Commerce as well, if the council agrees,” Bartholomew said. “It’s going to be a focal point, we feel, once it’s completed.”

Bartholomew said the funds will be used to give the building a “fresher look.”

“We’re not making any structural changes,” he said. “It will have a new roof, new windows and refurbish the inside. Our plan is, if we have enough money, to take down the old dock out back and put up a new one.

“There will also be a small kitchen inside, which makes it great to host community events,” he said.

The building will also be available for rent, he said.

Bartholomew expressed his thanks to the state officials that made the grant possible.

TAP provides funding for projects defined as transportation alternatives, including on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, infrastructure projects for improving non-driver access to public transportation and enhanced mobility, community improvement activities, and environmental mitigation.