Biloxi Moves Forward on Casino Project

Biloxi's Gulf Coast was famous as among the most scenic beaches in the world.

Biloxi is determined to bring back the feel and flavor of the town before Hurricane Katrina, back from the era when tourists flocked to the area. Part of its retro plan is the development of a major casino.

The Biloxi City Council has approved a zoning change, clearing the way for construction of a $700 million casino. The project still must be approved by the Mississippi Gaming Commission, as well as the mayor's office.

A spokesman for RW Developers, the originator of the plan, said that such a casino would generate about $24 million annually for the city, of which $9 million would be earmarked for schools.

The state would receive another $36 million in revenue.

Work has already begun on condominiums in the area, and a hotel is projected to begin soon.

Biloxi's Gulf Coast was famous as among the most scenic beaches in the world, until the devastation of the hurricane. Not only did the storm wash away much of the sparkling expanses of white sand, but antibellum homes which had withstood the elements for hundreds of years were leveled by the storm surge and wind.

A project mindful of the look of Biloxi in years past would hopefully restore to some degree the treasures lost to the region when the waves pounded the city flat.