By Brandon Park
Staff Writer

The Morgan County Recreation Commission met July 11 and unanimously recommended that the Morgan County Board of Commissioners award the bid to build the proposed aquatics facility to Southern Steel Co.
Bill Wood, Recreational Department director, presented that recommendation, along with a look at the new plans to the commission Tuesday.
The total bid from Southern Steel Co. was $1,098,581, more than $45,000 higher than USA Pools' $1,053,000 bid.
"I can say, as a member of the committee, I felt much more comfortable with the Southern Steel bid, especially since it was only $50,000 more," County Manager Michael Lamar said. In past discussions Lamar had asked USA Pools to "harden up" their bid.
The Rec Department also recommended that the board approve an additional allocation up to $350,000 above SPLOST monies already allocated to start the project now in an effort to have it  available to the public by the spring of 2009. Lamar said the board would have to "look at creative funding options" for the increase. No commitment was made.
Currently, the Rec Department has $770,000 in funds available for construction. The City of Madison has given Wood a firm commitment to fund $100,000. "We made that commitment because we have that much confidence that Bill can raise the remaining funds needed to get this project rolling," Madison City Councilman Mike Naples said.
Wood added that he feels he could raise another $100,000 through individual donations, grants and contributions.