Some localities in Virginia may be deferring capital projects, feeling the pinch of slashed state aid in these troubled economic times.

But Botetourt County Administrator Jerry Burgess sees an opportunity for the county's board of supervisors to seize: A rush of contractors hungry for work have expressed interest in bidding for the job of constructing the county's fourth and largest library.

More than 40 people attended a pre-bid conference in late January, and about half were independent contractors. Burgess said about eight to 10 contractors typically show up for the meetings.

"This is the best of times and worst of times, too," Burgess said. "The best in that the building is such we should get a very competitive price for the project, the worst in [that] local governments really should be responding to the state deficit. But if we push it off now, it will cost more later."

An early estimate for the cost of the library, which will be located off U.S. 220 near Eagle Rock Elementary School, was about $1.6 million. The majority of that amount is included in the budget for the current fiscal year. Bids will be accepted until Thursday. County officials plan to make a recommendation to the supervisors to consider at the board's Feb. 24 meeting.

Fincastle District Supervisor Don Meredith is ready to move forward with constructing the library, which will be located in the district he represents.

"The timing is right. We can't just keep pushing things back," he said.

Buchanan District Supervisor Terry Austin said strategically placing libraries throughout the county is part of the county's long-range plan.

The county's other libraries are in Buchanan, Blue Ridge and Fincastle. The Eagle Rock branch would be the largest, measuring about 9,600 square feet.

"Eagle Rock didn't really need a library, such as the one we are building, until recently," Meredith said. "The Bookmobile from Fincastle served the north end of the county adequately. Now people have turned to computers, and we need meeting rooms for people in the Eagle Rock area."

In addition to the library services, the new branch will feature a dedicated computer-training room and a large meeting space, which can be divided to hold smaller meetings.

The library's "rustic" design was chosen over a traditional brick design by residents at public input meetings held by the county, Burgess said. The exterior finish will feature hardy board siding and some natural stone.

Austin, Chairman Don Assaid and Blue Ridge District Supervisor Billy Martin said if favorable bids are received and the money is there, they too are interested in proceeding with construction.

With the supervisors' approval, construction could begin in April and the library could open about March 2010, Burgess said.