By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

Work on a new transfer station could begin as early as March 2.

County commissioners on Monday signed a $1,761,021 contract with Marion construction company Nelson-Fowles to begin work on an 80-by-76-foot building that will replace the existing transfer station on Santa Fe St.

The existing station will remain in operation as construction proceeds.

The contract gives the company 250 days to complete the work, so the project should be finished in early November.

Purdue said Nelson-Fowles wants an abatement inspection before construction begins.

The inspection checks for hazardous materials, such as lead paint and asbestos, before demolition begins.

Work had been expected to start later, but the construction company’s other jobs have moved in line, said Randy Purdue of Kaw Valley Engineering.

“We are happy to do the project,” said Cody Nelson, president of Nelson-Fowles Construction.

Commissioners also signed a resolution to authorize a $1.75 million lease purchase contract with Central National Bank to fund the building’s construction.

The county had earlier considered a $1.875 lease purchase agreement, but decided to use available funds for part of the cost instead.