VIDALIA &045; The public is invited to a Thursday groundbreaking for Vidalia’s new welcome and conference center, to be held at 2:30 p.m. across from Riverpark Medical Center.

As opposed to an invitation-only economic development roundtable officials from both states are holding in Vidalia earlier that day, the groundbreaking will be open to the public.

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, invited to both events, will not attend due to pressing business at the state Capitol, spokesman Pete Smith said Tuesday.

But Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco will be on hand to give remarks at both events &045; including the groundbreaking ceremony, which Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland hailed as a milestone.

&uot;This center will have a tremendous economic and social impact because it will be the largest facility in Concordia Parish where you can have conventions and social functions,&uot; Copeland said.

Copeland said Vidalia’s conference center, which will seat 840 to 1,000 people, will complement Natchez’s still relatively new convention center.

&uot;We’ll work hand in hand with Natchez,&uot; Copeland said. &uot;For example, Natchez might have a larger (convention) and may not have the space to host a smaller group on a given date.&uot;

That’s where the Vidalia facility would come in, Copeland said.

He also thanked Blanco; state Rep. Bryant Hammett, D-Ferriday; and the Vidalia Riverfront Committee for the hard work they have put in to make the project happen.

In particular Hammett, House Ways and Means chairman, was instrumental in getting capital outlay money from the Louisiana Legislature for the welcome and conference center, Copeland said.

&uot;This has been a long time coming, and we’re excited about it,&uot; he said.

Then at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Vidalia aldermen will accept bids for construction of the 25,000-square-foot center, which will be built with the help of federal and state funding.

The project is expected to cost $3.2 million to $3.8 million.

The center will include a State of Louisiana welcome center, Vidalia Chamber of Commerce, interpretive exhibit/display area with circular Bowie Room, multi-purpose meeting/community space, Mississippi River tower, atrium and restrooms.