Natchez Mayor Phillip West went to bat for $10 million in bond money this week, and we hope the governor is listening.

West explained to Gov. Haley Barbour that the $10 million Natchez seeks would be used for a variety of projects to improve the community, including revitalization of downtown and historic districts; developing low-income housing; and improving infrastructure.

The bill that would have supplied that money died in conference committee this week, but rumor has it Barbour will be calling a special session after the regular session ends to address issues such as economic development legislation.

If that’s the case, perhaps the bond money could be resuscitated.

The Natchez money was among many projects in a bond bill that would have provided funding for a variety of communities around the state.

It drew criticism from a lawmaker who wondered why, for example, our community should be singled out for funding in a year when the state is tight on money.

But West and city officials have a good plan for leveraging the $10 million with federal money and public investments and partnering with Alcorn State University on many projects.

We’re glad West took our cause to the governor; that not only can boost support, it’s also a good public relations move.

The city needs to continue to let state and federal leaders &045; and the public &045; know what the plans are. We need all the support we can get, in Jackson, in Washington and here at home.