OXFORD – The Oxford and Norway planning boards have issued final approval for the $12 million to $15 million Lowe’s Home Improvement project on Route 26.

The unanimous vote was given at a meeting between board members and Lowe’s representatives Wednesday night and paves the way for construction to begin as early as this winter.

“We’re putting it out to bid,” said Todd P. Morey, the site development officer. Construction is expected to begin next spring unless it’s a mild winter, said Morey, who noted that the Presque Isle Lowe’s was built during the winter months much to the amazement of Lowe’s construction mangers in North Carolina.

Norway Planning Board Chairman Dennis Gray said the boards gave the approval after reviewing a Department of Environmental report that recommended a few modifications to the plan.

“A couple of things they raised. There was the issue about protection of aquifer,” said Gray of the proposal by DEP to require a longer test period of the aquifer, which provides water to Norway.

Morey said they had no problem with the modifications.

Morey said company officials are tying up the real estate deal with Bob and Gary Bahre of Paris. Lowe’s officials are leasing 11.8 acres of land that straddles Norway and Oxford across the street from Hannaford’s Supermarket to construct the 137,000-square-foot building, including the garden center.

Once completed, the company is expected to hire between 130 and 150 people, of which 70 to 80 percent will be full time.

The store, with its 425 parking spaces, is expected to take seven to 10 months to complete and be open before Christmas next year.

Morey said construction will also include some modifications to Route 26 in front of the store at the traffic lights. The turn strip will be widened slightly to make the turns easier for patrons.