The Biloxi City Council recently approved a plan to complete the East Biloxi loop—the final piece for providing access to the proposed 0 million Biloxi Pointe Casino. Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich’s plan would close the loop running along the city’s east side from Back Bay Boulevard down Pine Street to U.S. 90.
The city’s ninth casino, to be developed by an investor group led by Louisiana businessman Chris Ferrara, would recreate the look of Old Biloxi but with modern amenities including a casino with a fantasy sports lounge, 497-room hotel, spa and fitness center, sports bar, buffet and five other dining options, 70,000 square foot event center and a bowling alley. The resort, to be developed on 37 acres at a former Heinz pet-food plant, is expected to create 2,000 jobs and generate $4 million annually in tax revenue for the city, which in turn would grant the developer 100 percent property tax abatement for seven years, except for school taxes.
The cost to finish the one-mile section of the loop is expected to be about $22 million, with Biloxi paying $9 million, the Mississippi Development Authority contributing $5 million and $7 million plus the rights of way for construction from Ferrara. He said the city’s commitment to build the last part of the road is required for financing. “When we present the money, that’s when the road work starts,” Ferrara said.
