Parks officials are preparing to go out to bid early next year for what is expected to be a $4 million building that will replace the one destroyed by a fire in 1992.

Construction could begin in 2002, with at least parts of the project completed by the end of next year, officials said.

The new casino pavilion would incorporate some of the architectural design of the original 1930s building, and would feature some pieces of the original structure, including door columns and the bell towers, according to officials who have seen the design.

In addition to the structure, the state is spending another $2 million in infrastructure improvements, such as water and sewer lines, in the area, officials said.

State parks officials contacted Thursday either declined to return calls or didn't immediately have details to release on the plan.

However, Rep. John J. LaFalce, D-Town of Tonawanda, disclosed some details of the project in announcing that the National Park Service will provide a $2 million matching funds grant to help rebuild the casino pavilion. The state would provide the rest of the money.

LaFalce said the project will include a new picnic pavilion, a bathhouse, and a lifeguard and first aid station, as well as a comfort station, a concession area and a beach administration building.

Others said the building will also have banquet facilities, and the state will be looking for a concessionaire to run the facility.

Following LaFalce's announcement, other local and state officials confirmed they had been briefed recently by state parks officials on the new casino pavilion.

"I've seen the design, and it looks terrific," said Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, D-Buffalo.

Grand Island Supervisor Peter McMahon also saw the designs and confirmed that work would begin in 2002.

The state had originally been hoping to find a private developer to rebuild the pavilion, and even selected one several years ago as part of a public-private partnership. But the deal fell through last year when the developer couldn't get financing.

After that, state officials said that if a private developer didn't emerge, the state would rebuild the casino.

The original casino building was constructed in 1938 and contained a restaurant, offices and a banquet hall. After fire swept through the building in October 1992, only the basement level remained. It has continued to operate, and has provided restrooms and changing rooms as well as lifeguard and first aid stations for the nearby beach. It also has space for park police offices.

e-mail: sschulman@buffnews.com