Demolition of the historic Riverside Inn in Ozark, MO could begin as early as next week.

The Christian County Commission on Monday awarded the general contractor bid to raze the 86-year-old restaurant to Jordan Disposal Services of Joplin, which had the lowest of 14 bids at $56,800.

Phil Amtower, director of Christian County Emergency Management and project engineer, said the general contractor must complete the project by Sept. 15.

The county purchased the inn from Eric and Lisa Engel for $945,823 through a $1.17 million Federal Emergency Management Agency grant to buy and tear down property with repetitive flood claims. The Finley River had repeatedly flooded the restaurant over the past several years.

he county, on behalf of the Engels, applied for the grant in 2008.

Under the grant, the project must be completed within 90 days after closing.

Amtower said the project is about $120,000 under budget. Any money left over will go back to FEMA.

Mark Thomas, business manager with Jordan Disposal Services, said the company will salvage what it can during demolition.