BENNINGTON — Officials say a reconstructed Vermont state office complex in Bennington should be ready for workers in April 2012.

State Buildings and General Services Commissioner Gerry Myers tells the Bennington Banner bids are to be opened Sept. 21. He says he hopes construction on the $16 million to $17 million project can begin in the middle of October.

State workers are currently working in modular units next to the empty state office building. Employees moved out three years ago after six employees contracted a rare lung ailment they blamed on the building.

The 60,000-square foot project getting ready to go will demolish and rebuild an older section of the existing structure and gut and renovate a newer portion.

The building will house state courts and other offices.