Lance Martin/Herald Senior Staff Writer

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JACKSON - Bids were opened Thursday on the first phase of the N.C. Center for Automotive Research project in Northampton County and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole announced $1 million in funds for the center has received committee approval.

County Manager Wayne Jenkins said six bids were received for the first phase of the project. The apparent low bidder was PLT Construction of Wilson at $8,402,000.

The bids are unconfirmed and will be reviewed by engineers to verify the numbers and make sure all engineering specifications for the project are met, Jenkins said. The engineers will recommend the lowest responsible bidder to the NCCAR Board of Directors.

County Economic Development Director Gary Brown said review of the bids will begin today. He said he expects the bids to go before the board of directors within the next 21 days.

The bids are for the first phase of the project and include site grading, infrastructure, construction of interior roadways and the first 2.2 miles of the 4.6-mile ride and handling course, Brown said. It also includes construction of a portion of the integrated vehicle dynamics area along with building pads.

Construction of those parts will allow research work to begin at the center, which will be located near the intersection of Interstate 95 and N.C. Highway 46 between Gaston and Garysburg. “It has been an exceptionally good start,” he said.

“It's very encouraging,” Jenkins said of the bids, “to have a field of six qualified bidders is very encouraging.”

Meanwhile, Dole's office announced in a news release committee approval of the fiscal year 2009 Energy and Water spending bill, which includes $1 million that Dole helped secure for the center to equip the Chassis Dynamic Laboratory, a research facility that focuses on fuel efficiency and alternative energy systems.

“To lower gas prices and achieve energy independence we need to invest in innovative technologies that enhance fuel efficiency,” said Dole said in the press release. “Not only does this project drive economic development and job creation in North Carolina, but it also contributes to America's energy security.”

Simon Cobb, NCCAR's chief operating officer, said while the money will be used mainly to do research on fuel economy and reduce emissions, a portion will also be used for smart car research which would allow cars to “talk to each other” on highways via computers in order to enhance safety.

Once approved by the full Senate, the bill must be reconciled in conference with the House of Representatives-passed version of the bill. A final bill then will have to be approved by both the House and the Senate and go before the president for his signature.