Morgan County Commission accepted a low bid of $189,564 from E-Tech Construction. of Hartselle for construction of a new senior center at Neel.
The new facility, which is being funded by a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant, will be located at 5960 Danville Road on a 1 1/2 acre site. The former senior center was located on the same site.
Site preparation began earlier this week as an in-kind service provided by district commissioners.  The value of this work will be deducted from a 20 percent local match requirement.
Nine contractors submitted bids on the project, with the second lowest quote coming from Reidco General Contracting at $230,000. The high bid was $291,255.
Construction is expected to require 120 working days.
The facility will have about 2,500 sq. ft of heated space including an eight by 17.5 foot safe room.
It will be equipped with new appliances and furnishings and will have a paved parking lot and a circular driveway with an unloading canopy.
Seniors from the Neel, Danville, Punkin Center area are currently meeting in a small temporary buildings adjacent to Neel Volunteer Fire Department.
The CBDG grant was obtained through the efforts of Morgan County Commission Chairman John Glascock, District II Commissioner Ken Livingston, Senator Arthur Orr, R-Decatur,  Rep. Mickey Hammon, R-Decatur and Charles Sharrod, Morgan County grant administrator.