NATCHEZ &045; A total of $1.8 million to help establish a federal courthouse in Natchez has been included in a federal appropriations bill now making its way through Congress.

The funds are included in the Commerce, Justice and State departments’ appropriations bill for fiscal year 2004.

&uot;This is an important earmark for Mississippi that will help renovate a very unique facility in one of Mississippi’s most beautiful and historic cities,&uot; Sen. Trent Lott, R-Mississippi, said in a written statement about the bill.

Yet while Mayor F.L. &uot;Hank&uot; Smith acknowledged that this latest milestone is &uot;really good news,&uot; he emphasized that approval of the funds is not final.

&uot;This is strictly the Senate version of the appropriations bill,&uot; Smith noted. He said city officials will actively work with the state’s congressmen to shepherd the bill through the House and through any conference committees.

Smith also said he appreciates Lott’s help in getting the funding this far.

For months, city officials have petitioned the area’s congressional delegation for $1.8 million to finish the renovation of Memorial Hall as a federal courthouse.

The city is responsible for the first phase of the renovation project. That will include electrical work, inside cleanup, windows, basement renovation, painting, sidewalks and construction of a sallyport and parking for a federal judge.

Funds the city will use for that portion of the work include $1 million from the U.S. Marshals Service, $900,000 each in city and county bond proceeds and a $400,000 state Archives and History grant.

Late last month, the Natchez Board of Aldermen voted to begin advertising for bids for the first phase of renovations.

The plan is that once the city finishes its part of the project &045; in January, City Engineer David Gardner has estimated &045; it will turn over the project to the GSA, which has pledged to spend $1.8 million on renovations.

That agency will install a heating and air conditioning system, three elevators, new walls and lighting and finish painting and millwork and new walls, among other finishing touches.

Gardner has estimated that it will take 12 to 14 months for the GSA to finish its part of the project.

However, City Attorney Walter Brown and Gardner both confirmed late last month the General Services Administration was still working to secure its $1.8 million &045; the funds that are now included in the appropriations bill.