VIDALIA, La. — Two pieces of paper are the only hurdles Vidalia has left to starting construction on the second phase of the Vidalia Landing riverfront development, Riverfront Authority Chairman Sidney Murray Jr. said.

&uot;We’re waiting for the architectural and engineering contracts to be approved by the state,&uot; Murray said. &uot;We’re expecting that to be done sometime this week.&uot;

Once that is done, the state will release about $1.58 million in state capital outlay funds for the project. A memorandum of agreement between the state and Vidalia for that amount was signed just last week, Murray said.

The second phase of the $45 million development will include construction of an amphitheater, a fountain plaza, restrooms and seating complete with &uot;shade structures,&uot;&160;he said.

Murray added that detailed plans for the second phase should be complete in time for the town’s board of aldermen to advertise for bids for the phase by the end of the year.

Specifically, the amphitheater should be completed by the end of next spring, although Murray will not yet say when he expects the total riverfront development to be complete.

In addition, local officials hope to announce soon a hotel and restaurant that tentatively plan to locate at Vidalia Landing, said Linda Gardner, the town’s director of economic development. But the town is not yet divulging those companies’ names.

&uot;Meanwhile, we still have a couple of small things to complete on phase one, such as landscaping, which has been difficult to do with this weather,&uot;&160;Murray said. &uot;And we’re still waiting for a new river gauge so we can install that.&uot;

Most of the first phase, including construction of a riverwalk, roads and other infrastructure, was completed in August.

When it is completed, the development could include a visitors center, stores, restaurants, an amphitheater, condominiums, recreational fields and other attractions.

A group of doctors is working on plans to build an outpatient surgical center there.

An RV park south of the Mississippi River bridge should be ready for business by October’s Great Mississippi River Balloon Race.