POST FALLS - Contractors Northwest Inc. has been awarded the bid for the new Post Falls elementary school to be built on the west side of Greensferry Road north of Poleline Avenue.

Contractors Northwest submitted a base bid of $7.85 million. Six contractors submitted bids and Contractors Northwest had the lowest base bid.

"We are very pleased to be able to work with a trusted local firm in CNI," Post Falls School District Superintendent Jerry Keane said.

Idaho law requires school districts to accept the lowest bid on school construction projects.

"Contractors Northwest has an extensive resume of construction experience and has met all the requirements specified in order to be a qualified bidder," Keane said.

The total construction contract, including for alternate HVAC and electric upgrades, is $8.02 million.

The school will be built to alleviate overcrowding at other schools. Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2016. Students who live in the Fieldstone subdivision will be among those who will attend the school. Boundaries will be adjusted next year.

Contractors Northwest in April was awarded the $3 million contract for a second-story addition and kitchen expansion at River City Middle School. That project is expected to be completed this month.

Post Falls voters in March approved a $19.5 million facility bond that will fund several projects.

The funding package also included a $1 million sum for a two-classroom addition at West Ridge; heating unit upgrades at Seltice, Frederick Post/ New Vision and Mullan Trail; energy efficiency remodels at Mullan Trail and Frederick Post; and security system upgrades throughout the district.

Work on a $2.5 million performing arts auditorium and a $2 million auxiliary gym at Post Falls High will likely start within the next year.