NATCHEZ — The bill that would trade in the existing Economic Development Authority for a new group called Natchez, Inc., has passed its first hurdle on the state level.

Local attorney Walter Brown and former mayor Phillip West met with the Mississippi Senate’s local and private committee Tuesday to present the bill and answer questions.

West is a board member of the new group, and Brown has been assisting the group in creation of the legislation.

Aside from a few ordinary questions, Brown said, the committee handled the matter positively, passing the bill unanimously.

The bill — SB 3174 — will now go to the Senate floor for approval, which Brown said would likely come by week’s end.

Then, the bill will have to go through the same process in the House — local and private committee then full House.

Sen. Kelvin Butler of Magnolia, who represents a portion of Adams County, is the chairman of the Senate committee that passed the bill. Brown said representation from a local like Butler can help the process run smoothly for Adams County.

The bill dismantles legislation governing the current EDA and outlines the structure of the new economic development group.

If established, funding for the new 501(c)(6) non-profit group will come from the city, county and the private sector. Board members are appointed by all three groups as well.

The fundraising arm of the new group has already received private sector commitments of more than $150,000 each year for the next three years.