The state Legislature failed this week to pass authorization for $3.5 million in bonds to help renovate the Duncan Park Golf Course.

Natchez officials had said the legislation would save the state from having to build a new golf course at the Natchez State Park.

State park master plans call for golf courses at all of the flagship parks.

Under the legislation, the Duncan Park course would have become a satellite of the Natchez State Park.

City officials expressed disappointment Wednesday but said they will push for the legislation again next year.

&uot;It was a unique idea,&uot; said City Attorney Walter Brown, who added that the project was handicapped by the &uot;cap of how much (the Legislature) was willing to spend.&uot;

Brown said Natchez had already gotten consideration for money for projects such as the Natchez Trace Parkway extension, a proposed fine arts center at Copiah-Lincoln Community College and a proposed business complex at Alcorn State University.

So far, only the Trace money is confirmed.

Duncan Park Golf Course Manager Marvin Gray said he’s disappointed for both the city and the state.

&uot;It would have benefitted both,&uot; he said. &uot;It’s a unique idea.&uot;

Gray, who is contracted to manage the golf course for the city’s recreation department, said he doesn’t know of any other golf course that uses a partnership between city and state.

Two different pieces of legislation were needed for the golf course — the bond money and the enabling legislation for the partnership.