NATCHEZ &045; It was four years in the making, but the National Park Service finally got a step closer to Fort Rosalie last week.

A federal jury delivered a verdict Aug. 19 establishing fair market value for seven tracts of land owned by James Biglane. The tracts &045; which the jury valued at a combined $1,139,692 &045; overlook the bluff on South Canal Street and are integral to NPS plans for the Fort Rosalie component of its Natchez National Historical Park.

The NPS wants to use the land &045; plus four neighboring tracts it has yet to acquire &045; to install a hiking trail as well as historical and archeological markers in tribute to Fort Rosalie.

Built by the French in 1716, the fort is one of the first settlements on the lower Mississippi River.

The NPS sued to acquire the land under the condemnation law of eminent domain.

The two sides filed their own appraisals of the tracts’ worth as part of the proceedings, held in Natchez and presided over by Judge William Barbour of Jackson. David Bramlette, the original judge in the case, recused himself in March 2002.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Al Jernigan said both sides have reason to be happy with the verdict.

&uot;Six of the seven tracts priced out closer to the state’s price,&uot; he said. &uot;But the biggest one went closer to his price.&uot;

The tract in question, No. 102-03, includes the building housing Fat Mama’s Tamales. The jury valued it at $667,942.

The second-most expensive tract was valued at $335,450; the other five ranged from $20,000 to $37,300.

Bruce Kuehnle, attorney for Biglane, said his client was not eager to sell the property, &uot;but he understands the government has that right. For the most part we’re pleased with the verdict.&uot;

The park also includes the Melrose house and the house built by William Johnson.