By Clay LePard
clepard@cbs4qc.com
It's down to the wire for those trying to save the old Moline train depot.
Members of the Moline Preservation Society have one week to raise $155,000 toward moving the depot to Western Illinois University's Riverfront campus.
Organizers are expected to ask for another extension at Tuesday's city council meeting.
"The money is there from the state, the money is there from Western Illinois," says Diann Moore, Preservation Society President. "Everything is ready to go it's just this little last link in fact it's the smallest amount that needs to be raised."
The group was granted a 60 day extension back in October. According to the group's website, they have only raised about a third of the money necessary.
If the Preservation Society cannot come up with the money to move the 112 year old cargo depot, Illinois Department of Transportation plans to demolish the site to make way for the new Interstate 74 bridge.
But even if they eventually raise the money necessary, that does not automatically mean the building will be saved. Council members would still have to vote on whether or not to force the state to pay more than a million dollars to move it to WIU's Riverfront campus.
Organizers say they won't give up on their local landmark.
"It's not a whole lot of time to raise $155,000, but if it's something you believe in, you put your heart and soul into it and you hope you come through," Moore adds.
You can learn more about the depot and donate by clicking here.
