I don't think anyone here would advise you to put money into a bike that cost $324, sixteen years ago, unless it was a perfect fit or had sentimental value. Just get it running in the least expensive way possible, then decide whether you really want to do the fork conversion.

The fork on this bike has a 1-1/8 steerer. Unless your local bike shop has the thread die for this somewhat oddball size, it might be easier to convert to a threadless headset and stem, which uses the same diameter. But either way it will be more $$ than just buying a fork.