During the December 1, 2000 Missouri Department of Transportation Commission meeting, a multi-agency selection committee recommended, among others, that Marquand's proposed Pedestrian/Bicycle and Transportation Museum Project be funded using the FY00 allocations. 

With only one modification to the original draft, the city of Marquand received written notification approximately two weeks after the commission's decision.  In the city's regular meeting on February 6, 2001, an official resolution was adopted to enter into an agreement with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission to execute this project. 

MODOT Funds are allocated under a provision of federal transportation legislation designating ten percent of a transportation agency's "Surface Transportation Program" budget for projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, scenic easements, historic sites, tourist and welcome center facilities, landscaping and other beautification.  The grant requires a contributing "match" from the city, which can be either in cash or "in kind," equivalent to 25% of the total project cost.  "In-Kind" services can be in the form of materials, labor, service agreements, or contracted use of heavy equipment necessary for the project completion, just to name a few examples.  The city will be turning to community members, contractors and area businesses for their input and assistance. 

Marquand is a very scenic and historic community, laid out along the banks of the Castor River. The project outline will "enhance" the city's curb appeal, making both its commercial and historical district more "user friendly."  As you cross the Castor River bridge, traveling east through the city on Route A, the walking/biking trail will veer right, turning beside the second oldest Conoco Station in the United States.  As the trail passes behind the commercial district it will intersect with Murta Street, allowing the pedestrian/cyclist to catch a glimpse of the stately Whitener-Redford home.  Traveling east on Murta to Harding Street, the trail will then turn north and pass in front of Marquand's commercial district.  Next, a cross-walk will carry travelers across Morley (Route A) to North Harding Street, a lovely, tree-lined historic district of the community.  At the end of Harding, the trail will cut across the end of The Village of Marquand Historical Park on Buel Street and turn onto Whitener Street, trailing south to junction once again with Morley Street.  At this point, the trail will travel east along Morley to the junction of Martha Street, where it will turn North to Pinckney Street, travel a short distance alongside the Methodist Church and dissipate in the midst of the Marquand Zion School. 

All along the trail the traveler will be greeted with period lighting, park benches, occasional plantings and trash receptacles.  To accentuate the commercial and historic district, cobblestones will be utilized along Harding, Buel, and Whitener Streets.  To recognize one of Marquand's early water sources, a shelter will be built over the top of the two remaining "City Pumps," and to draw attention to the middle of town as you look south, a "center green" will be established, complete with curbs and plantings. 

As one travels up Whitener Street on the trail, you will be tempted to veer off the defined path to pay a visit to the E.S. Lett Bridge, which, through this funding, will be decked as a band shelter/pavilion.  The bridge section has great historical significance, and will be ADA accessible, lavished with beautiful plantings and park benches.  When leaving the E.S. Lett Bridge, one will also have the opportunity to visit the Marquand Depot Transportation Museum. 

Funding has been incorporated into the grant to complete this budding project, making it a tribute to the transportation industry which spurred the community into prosperity.  The museum will feature a multi-media presentation chronicling Marquand's rich history from its settlement by great pioneers like Capt. Henry Whitener and Michael Mouser, its treasures and tragedies, the great train wrecks of 1911 and 1944, and much more. 

A project, such as this one, would never have come into fruition without a program like MODOT's "Transportation Enhancement."  Marquand will join a growing list of communities who have benefited from the Missouri Department of Transportation's forethought and generosity.  This program is truly a program that "helps communities help themselves."