NATCHEZ —Bills that would give the state transportation director the authority to transfer the beanfield property to the City of Natchez passed their respective houses last week and now head to committee.

Local legislators said Monday they do not yet know when the bills will come up before committee.

“But we’re keeping an eye on it,” said state Rep. Robert Johnson, D-Natchez, who introduced House Bill 787.

It’s a step in the right direction, said state Sen. Kelvin Butler, D-Magnolia, author of Senate Bill 2455.

“They’ve overcome that first hurdle and are well on their way,” Butler said.

The city has been pursuing the property next to Natchez High School for several years, seeking to place recreation facilities there. The city now leases the property from the state.

HB 787 passed the House of Representatives and was transferred to the Senate Feb. 9. SB 2455 was headed for the House Wednesday after passing the Senate.

The bills would both give the executive director of the state Department of Transportation the authority to transfer the parcel of land known as the “beanfield” to the city. HB 787 also states that the 67-acre plot cannot be used for casino-related developments.

Meanwhile, another bill, SB 2070, is still waiting in the Senate for its chance before a committee.

That measure would authorize $6 million in general obligation bonds to fund improvements to the Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center in Natchez.

That building has been the home of the Natchez Festival of Music since 1999.