Preston Lee, project manager, said Kuhn Construction of Hockessin is the apparent low bidder, having submitted a $550,000 bid. He said it is anticipated that a bid award will be announced Monday, Feb. 8, at Lewes Mayor and Council’s meeting at City Hall.

Although 14 construction companies were represented at a prebid meeting and were eligible to bid, only six from the group submitted bids.

Bids have also been received from Mumford & Miller, $577,375; JJID Inc., $590,541; First State Crane, $597,490; George & Lynch, $638,649; and R.E. Pierson Construction, $785,699.

Lee said that as a practical matter, the amount bid would probably increase somewhat with changes and enhancements to the project as it progresses. A specific start date for the project has not yet been determined, but Lee said construction could begin in late February or early March. He said the construction contract requires the project to be completed within 90 days of the start date.

Lee said landscaping design is in the early planning stage and grounds work would begin as soon as the slip is completed. He said the contractual process for landscaping would be much less complex since that aspect of the project is being paid for with Lightship Overfalls Foundation funds. The permanent boat slip is funded primarily by a $450,000 federal economic stimulus grant.

Lee said that besides some minor dredging that would take a few days in fall, the project should be fully complete by late summer.