NATCHEZ &8212; Potential contractors for the new convention center hotel were in town Wednesday to talk to possible subcontractors and finalize pricing, developer Tom Bauer said.

Construction and financing plans are on track and going well, Bauer said.

He has been in communication with Country Inn & Suites and is moving ahead with work to bring the hotel to Natchez.

&8220;Within two weeks, as long as it&8217;s within our budget, we will close on the land,&8221; he said.

In July, Bauer agreed to pay the city $524,333 for the block across from the convention center bounded by Canal, Main, Broadway and Franklin streets.

In an option agreement, he promised to construct a 120-room hotel at a cost of more than $10,000,000.

The prospective contractor for the project is Hotel Development, Inc., of Dixon, Ill.

Once subcontractors are lined up, Bauer said he hopes to begin construction

before the end of the year.

&8220;Everything is moving along,&8221; he said Wednesday. &8220;I don&8217;t know of a hiccup right now.&8221;

Two existing building on the lot were torn down earlier this month to make way for construction.

The county and city have approved bonds to help with the project&8217;s financing.

Bauer said he hopes to visit Natchez with hotel representatives next month.