VIDALIA, La. – A capital outlay bill that includes $3 million for the Vidalia Landing project and $250,000 for renovations to the new parish courthouse passed the Senate Thursday and is now awaiting House concurrence.

The bill’s clearing this latest legislative hurdle &uot;is a good sign,&uot; said Vidalia Mayor Hyram Copeland.

&uot;Hopefully, with the $3.2 million that we plan to request next year, this should finish out the (Vidalia Landing) riverfront project,&uot;&160;he said.

This year’s $3 million would probably go to pay for the project’s third phase, which would include extending the development’s walkway and road south of the Mississippi River bridge.

A portion of the riverwalk and an RV park have already been constructed at the site. An amphitheater is now being built, and groundbreakings for a restaurant, a hotel and a medical clinic are expected this fall.

It is estimated that the development, which has been in the works since 1992, could bring 400 jobs to a parish with high unemployment.