An upcoming federal trial in Natchez could mean big money for the local economy. In recent weeks, lawyers representing both Terra International Inc. and Mississippi Chemical Corp. have been preparing for a trial by securing offices and lodging in the area.

&uot;It’s like bringing a small industry to town,&uot;&160;said City Attorney Walter Brown, who described the trial as a major lawsuit.

Mimi Miller, director of preservation and education for the Historic Natchez Foundation, said federal trials are good for the economy.

&uot;There’s probably not going to be a segment of our community that is not going to economically benefit from it,&uot; she said.

People connected with the trial have rented space in the Callon building, the Fry Building, the Old Magnolia Federal Building and space at the Historic Natchez Foundation, Miller said.

They are also renting rooms at Monmouth and at other bed and breakfasts, she said.

Winnie Kaiser, community development coordinator for the Natchez-Adams&160;County Economic Development Authority, compared having a federal trial in Natchez to the tourism market.

&uot;It’s like another arm of tourism all together, she said.

The trial could benefit everything from dry cleaners, restaurants, office supply companies, local merchants and tourist attractions, she said.

&uot;I think it’s a lot more expensive than anybody realizes,&uot; Kaiser said.

This trial, which deals with a 1994 explosion at a fertilizer plant in Iowa, could give residents an idea of the economic impact if a federal courthouse opens in Natchez in Memorial Hall.

&uot;It certainly gives us an indication, I think, of seeing Memorial Hall become a federal court building,&uot; Miller said. &uot;People are going to get a taste of how this is really going to benefit our town.&uot;

Brown said the city will submit details on plans for Memorial Hall to the Administrative Office of the Courts this week.

Officials are trying to encourage the AOC’s architect to visit Natchez to study the building, Brown said.

Last year, Congress approved the establishment of a federal courthouse in Natchez.