VIDALIA, La. &045; The State of Louisiana will provide about $1.5 million in capital outlay money for improvements being made to the Vidalia Landing riverfront development.

&uot;(The state is) a little bit late&uot; in approving the money, said Town Manager Kenny Davis. As a result, the state will actually be reimbursing the town for the cost of the project.

The Vidalia Board of Aldermen on Tuesday approved a cooperative endeavor agreement with the state to receive the funds.

The board also voted to advertise for bids for the next phase of construction at the riverfront. That phase will include the installation of additional lighting and river overlook structures south of the Mississippi River bridge. Similar structures are already in place north of the bridge.

Riverview Medical Center &045; a 12,000-square-foot surgery, industrial medicine and medical office complex &045; is now being built on the riverfront and should be completed by October or November.

And an aquarium and visitors center are also being planned.

Town and state officials are also planning a $32 million complex that will include a welcome center, a chamber of commerce facility, a museum and meeting rooms.

The board voted to purchase two police cars, at a cost of $19,800 each, to replace two of the fleet’s aging vehicles.

The board also accepted a $10,100 bid from Blaine Construction for a small piece of property at the end of the town’s industrial park roadway.