After years of planning, submitting requests for funding, putting together plans and two bid solicitations, the renovation of Opp’s L&N Depot is a go.

The Opp City Council on Monday night unanimously approved Paul Catrett’s bid of $762,500.

Catrett’s bid was lower than the lowest bid submitted in the first round of bidding, and the only one submitted in the second round.

The city was awarded a $400,000 grant through the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) for the project. The grant requires a 20 percent match from the city of Opp.

Plans call for installing a new roof, adding a bathroom and a kitchenette.

The project was delayed multiple times by the process of getting plans approved by multiple entities, including the state building commission and DOT.

Plans also had to be sent to Washington, D.C., for approval as well.

Wyatt Sasser Construction was the low bid in July at $812,581.

Opp Mayor Becky Bracke said that she was thrilled to get the project under way.

“We are real excited about it,” she said. “We have some sources for financing and we are hoping that once it gets started that people will begin donating to the projects.”

In other business, the council:

• Honored the Opp High School cheerleaders for winning the 3A State Championship;
• Appointed Ronnie Penn as assistant city judge. Bracke said that Penn would be used as needed, if Judge Bart Boothe couldn’t hear cases.
• Voted to keep Rainer Cotter, former city of Opp attorney, on the B&B Recycling case until the case was completed since he was already abreast of the case.
• Gave Bracke authority to sign contracts for the Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo entertainment.