VIDALIA – A capital outlay bill introduced in the Louisiana House Monday includes $3 million for the Vidalia riverfront project and $500,000 for Concordia Waterworks improvements.

&uot;Money is so tight down here,&uot;&160;state Rep. Bryant Hammett, D-Ferriday, said Tuesday. &uot;Still, once these projects are put in the capital outlay bill, they are very seldom taken out.&uot;

The $3 million for the Vidalia Landing development would probably be used to fund the project’s third phase. That would include extending the development’s riverwalk and road south of the Mississippi River bridge, said Riverfront Authority Chairman Sidney Murray Jr.

&uot;We should be in great shape with the project if we get this money,&uot; Murray said when told about the bill. &uot;It sure would mean a lot to us.&uot;

As it now stands, Camo Construction crews have already constructed the base of an amphitheater included in Vidalia Landing’s second phase. That phase will also include construction of a fountain plaza, restrooms, landscaping and shaded seating.

When completed, Vidalia Landing is also expected to include an interpretive visitors center, condominiums, recreational fields and a medical complex. An RV park has been built. Officials have said the development could bring 400 jobs to the parish.

In addition, the bill includes $500,000 to buy and install a clarifier for the water plant Concordia Waterworks District No. 1 has built near Lake St. John.

Otherwise, chemicals used to remove a brownish tint from the water will frequently clog the new plant’s filters. The district is using its old plant on Louisiana 15 until the new plant is online.