By Nita McCann

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ —Casinos would not be allowed to develop facilities at the beanfield, according to the latest version of a bill would allow the state transportation director to transfer ownership of the property to the City of Natchez.

But Natchez Mayor Butch Brown said the language, which he said was pushed by state Sen. David Blount, D-Hinds County. isn’t all that unusual.

“We already know that all casino development has to be no more than 800 feet from the water,” Brown said.

The new language in HB 787, as passed by the House, forbids casinos to develop the property, according to information from the Mississippi Legislature.

Local officials have long discussed using the beanfield next to Natchez High as a possible site of a recreation complex. The city leases the 67 acres from the state.

State Sen. Kelvin Butler, D-Magnolia, said HB 787 passed the House and is now waiting for consideration by Senate committees.

“We don’t yet know when those committees will address this,” said state Rep. Robert Johnson, D-Natchez.

“I’m just glad (the bill) has gotten to this point,” Brown said.

The bill states that casinos could not develop that property, either whole or in part, no matter who wants to develop the parcel or who regulates the casinos.

Nothing in the bill would prevent local governments from using casino revenue to develop the site, Brown said.

Blount could not be reached for comment prior to press time.