NATCHEZ &045;&045; Exactly one month after local officials met to discuss options for buying the International Paper mill property, negotiations with IP representatives are still in progress.

&uot;The discussion is still ongoing&uot; with IP officials in Memphis, said Woody Allen, chairman of the Economic Development Authority. &uot;IP is being very cooperative.&uot;

Within the next couple of weeks, EDA leaders will meet with city and county officials to formally agree on an offer to make to IP for the property.

&uot;We have to make sure what they want to do,&uot; Allen said, referring to the Board of Aldermen and Board of Supervisors.

Originally, Allen had said IP had given city, county and EDA boards by May 1 to plan their course so IP would know which buildings to demolish at the site.

Local officials have said they hope to purchase at least part of the property for use as an industrial and technological park.

If the city and county do acquire the property, are any prospects ready to move in?

Not at this point, although Allen said several companies have been inquiries about using parts of the 570-acre property.

The site includes several buildings, a power plant and water wells, among other features.

&uot;There’s been a lot of interest,&uot; he added.

Meanwhile, EDA Executive Director Michael Ferdinand said that agency is still working with Venco to finalize paperwork necessary for the company to open a location at the Natchez-Adams County Port.

Venco, a Baton Rouge-based metal fabrication company, has already committed to locating at the port.

But Ferdinand has said the company is still seeking some state assistance.

As far as other industrial prospects for the port &045;&045; including fabrication, warehousing and distribution operations &045;&045; are concerned, Ferdinand would say only that talks with such companies are ongoing.

Ferdinand still would not comment on rumors Natchez-Adams officials have talked with shipbuilder Bollinger about the possibility of placing a location in Natchez.