A plan for the future of hurricane battered Biloxi has been passed unanimously in principle by the City Council. It will be used to map the long-term recovery of the city that just over a year ago was devastated by Hurricane Katrina. Last week the Council refused to adopt the plan but a display of support from the public and the insistence of Mayor A.J. Holloway has led to ‘Reviving the Renaissance’ being adopted.

There was some opposition to the plan. A few local residents consider too much space has been given to the casinos and too little support for housing and small businesses. However, with the plan in place Biloxi will be able to apply for its share of the US$300 million in federal funding available for the 49 counties that suffered hurricane damage last year. Any recommendations in the plan that do not comply with current Biloxi regulations will have to be approved by the Council. Over 200 residents in committees worked to formulate the plan.

Local governments that have master plans for hurricane recovery and projects ready to roll will have the edge for grant applications. Last Monday the Mississippi Development Authority began accepting grant applications for the $300 million in federal funds. US$250 million is for economic development grants and loans for the 49 counties and the six southernmost counties are eligible for US$5 million in community planning grants and US$45 million in downtown revitalisation grants.

Last month Harrah’s reopened the Grand Casino Biloxi and MGM Mirage reopened the Beau Rivage. There are now seven casinos operational in the city and analysts consider that the Gulf Coast market is showing signs of growth. Gaming positions in the Biloxi market are still 21% lower than before the hurricane, but play is up. (E-09.29.06)

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