VIDALIA &045; Advertisements for construction bids for the Vidalia welcome center will likely be out in February, Mayor Hyram Copeland told members of the board of aldermen Tuesday night.

That timeline could put construction in late April or early March.

&uot;I think (the welcome center) is something the whole community can enjoy,&uot; Copeland said.

The welcome center will be located on the Vidalia riverfront and will house not only the welcome center but the chamber of commerce offices and a community center. The $4 million facility is being paid for through state and federal grants.

That wasn’t the only discussion of grants at the regular meeting.

Aldermen also authorized Copeland to sign documents related to a $65,000 Delta Regional Authority grant for a loading and unloading facility.

at the new Vidalia industrial park.

Copeland also said the city hopes to begin work on a sidewalk project in the next month or two. The new sidewalks will be paid for with a $435,000 grant.