The city of Opp will have to rebid the L&N Depot renovation project, city planner Jason Bryan said Thursday.

Bryan said that he had spoken with the Alabama Department of Transportation, from which the city received grant funds for the project, and was given instructions to rebid.

The renovation plan is still in the hands of the Opp City Council, which previously rejected an $812,000 bid from Wyatt Sasser Construction in a 3-2 vote in July.

A month later, residents lobbied the city council to restore the depot project.

Councilmembers T.D. Morgan, Bobby Ray Owens and Mary Brundidge voted against accepting the bids.

Morgan told the group at the August meeting that he was for the restoration, but not for using taxpayers’ money.

In the meantime, a donation account has been set up to help fund the project, which will go along with the $500,000 Transportation Alternative Program funding the city was awarded in 2013.

On Thursday, Bryan said he has commitments from larger investors, but can’t secure the donations until he rebids the project and the council OKs it.

Brundidge said Thursday she needs to know how much it will cost.

There is no guarantee the new bids will be less than the $812,000.

WSC was already $35,290 cheaper than Diversified General Contractors and $98,479 cheaper than Southland Builders.

Those interested in donating to the renovation project can make a donation at CCB Community Bank in Opp or at City Hall.