JACKSON, MS (WLOX) -
A piece of property on Biloxi's Back Bay could be home to a new casino called "The Boardwalk" sometime in the future. The Mississippi Gaming Commission approved the site as legal at its meeting in Jackson Thursday. That's the first step.
"The next step is approving architectural designs and then coming back to the gaming commission to get their final approval," property owner Chris Ferrara said. "As we go forward, we'll look at all aspects of the site."
Boardwalk officials will also be looking for investors to transform the old Heinz pet food building into a world class resort.
"Funding is always an issue, as you can appreciate in today's economy and the world economy," Ferrara explained. "It's tough out there, but we already currently own the facility today. So we're well ahead of the game, so to speak, of actually trying to tie down financing."
Even though Thursday's action was the first step in what promises to be a very long process, Gaming Commission Chairman Jerry St. Pe' said he's been impressed so far with what he's seen.
"There was never any question about whether this site was in compliance, if you will, with what the law requires, as well as how far you need to be in terms of your gaming floor. So clearly a good news morning for the Gulf Coast, and for Biloxi, in particular," St. Pe' said.
Also good news is what Boardwalk may become, according to Ferrara.
"We know that it's going to be a 50,000 square foot gaming floor, a 100,000 square foot convention center. We have ample room to do a lot of things with this facility, just like the boatyard being the first class facility on the coast," Ferrara said.
Company officials estimate the cost of the casino and all the amenities will be somewhere in the $150 million range.
Before any work begins, several other permits have to be granted, and the gaming commission will have to approve the final project and find the company suitable.
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Boardwalk officials are looking for investors to transform the old Heinz pet food building into a world class resort on Biloxi's Back Bay.
