VIDALIA, La. – Construction continues at the Vidalia Landing riverfront site, Sidney Murray, chairman of the Riverfront Authority, said Thursday.

Foundation work has begun on a Comfort Suites Hotel to be located at the north end of the Vidalia Landing riverfront development.

Work has also started on a fountain plaza located just north of the Mississippi River bridge. &uot;They’re constructing a foundation under that now, too,&uot; Murray said.

&uot;The (rainy) weather’s not helping us right now, but the project’s still looking good,&uot; he said.

In November, Congress approved $400,000 in funding to help build the fountain plaza. Local officials hope a visitors center will one day be constructed next to the plaza.

In addition to the fountain plaza and an amphitheater that has already been constructed north of the bridge, the riverfront development’s second phase will include restrooms, landscaping and shading seating.

The Riverview RV Park opened several months ago south of the bridge.

Most infrastructure needed for the $45 million Vidalia Landing project, such as roads and utility lines, has already been built.

And a medical complex featuring imaging, ambulatory surgery, industrial medicine facilities and specialists’ offices is scheduled to be open on the riverfront by June, project developers have said.

When completed, Vidalia Landing could also include condominiums, recreational fields and other attractions, according to local officials.

Officials have said the development, which has been in the works since 1992, could bring 400 jobs to a parish with high unemployment and would attract more tourists.