LAPLACE — There are six contractors vying for the chance to construct the new Eastbank Government Complex.

Parish officials closed the bidding process May 17 after receiving bids from contractors from all over South Louisiana. The two lowest bids were from Frank A. Anzalone General Contractor out of Hammond with a bid of $9,770,000 and Lamar Contractors out of Luling with a bid of $9,444,000.

The lowest bidder must get final approval by the Parish Council following the bid process’ close and the Administration’s recommendation.

St. John the Baptist Parish Council members were given the bids for potential approval at Tuesday night’s Council meeting.

Officials say the new Eastbank Government Complex will be located in front of the current government building at 1801 W. Airline Highway in LaPlace.

The 44,130 square foot building will centralize government offices for public services and serve as a one-stop shop for residents.

The new complex will house the Register of Voters, Assessor, Planning and Zoning, Code Enforcement, Clerk of Court, Utility Billing, Finance, Grants and Council Offices. It also includes new Council Chambers, Courtroom, Parish President’s Office and Administrative suite.

The new state of the art Council Chambers will seat more than 100 people and include enhanced sound, voting and camera systems. The facility will also be used for traffic court, which is currently held at the Arcuri Center.

The project, which is being funded through the 2009 and 2015 Bond Issues and a Capital Outlay award, is designed by Murray Architects, Inc.

Laverne Saulny, Parish chief administrative officer, said the complex consolidates all of the parish’s government offices under one roof.

“We are going to have this beautiful state-of-the art building,” she previously said. “We are going to be extremely accessible to our citizens, and it’s really going to have a major impact in the parish.”