By Bobby Harrison
Daily Journal Jackson Bureau

JACKSON - Legislators say Gov. Haley Barbour is expected to call a special session as early as this week to consider an economic development project in the Columbus area.

Pete Smith, a spokesman for the governor, was tight-lipped about a session. "The only thing I can tell you is if there is a need for a special session, the governor will call it," he said Monday.

Both Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersville, and Sen. Alan Nunnelee, R-Tupelo, said they have been told to be prepared for a special session later this week. Nunnelee said members of the Finance Committee have been told to keep Thursday open for a possible meeting.

Bond projects to provide incentives for manufacturers to locate in the state usually originate in the Senate Finance Committee or the House Ways and Means Committee.

Holland said he is not sure what the project is, but "I can't imagine we would have a special session if it was not for something major."

Reports indicate the governor most likely will announce it Wednesday, and that it probably involves a project in Columbus.

Rep. George Flaggs, D-Vicksburg, wants the special session agenda to include funding for a new burn center at the University Medical Center. Flaggs said he will try to include bonds for a burn center in economic development legislation even if the governor does not make it part of the agenda.

Flaggs said the legislative rules would allow bonds for a burn center to be included with bonds for a economic development project. Bonds normally are issued to finance long-term projects.

Contact Daily Journal Jackson Bureau reporter Bobby Harrison at (601) 353-3119 or bobby.harrison@djournal.com.