GULF COAST REBUILT
The Gulf Coast: back in business
2005 saw absolute devastation along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast as Hurricane Katrina hit. Sharon Harris visits the area to see the progress and process of recovery
T
en years ago, I visited and reported on the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s first decade of gaming. The 1990 statewide legalization of riverboat gaming transformed the previously-deteriorating region into a vital
economic engine. Fifteen years later on August 29, 2005, Hurricane
Katrina killed or destroyed virtually everything in its path. In the post-Katrina sunshine, surviving residents evaluated the damages and questioned their futures. Recognizing the emergency measures needed to help the gaming industry rejuvenate the region, Mississippi lawmakers immediately enacted a new law. It permitted casino gaming floors to be relocated on land within 800 feet of the property’s hotel, lobby or convention space. The legislation defined the 800- foot measurement from the back door of the gaming operation. I returned to the Gulf Coast this past August to
assess the region’s recovery. I found a work in progress, led by a courageous, determined people. Gleaming new buildings, rebuilt homes and shopping malls replaced the former sight of tons of dirt and debris, damaged buildings and property strewn across the highway. However, numerous empty lots and boarded up structures demonstrated that much must still be done for the region to recapture its former prosperity and growth. The resiliency and sheer will of everyone I
interviewed was most impressive since some had survived with little more than their lives. Their courage and optimism were truly inspirational.
The early days loomed large Gulf Coast gaming had continually expanded from
1992 to 2005. Upon taking office in 1993 and immediately recognizing gaming’s potential, Biloxi Mayor A.J. Holloway strongly advocated gaming to jumpstart the beleaguered region. “Gaming saved Biloxi from debt and deterioration.
28 OCTOBER 2011
After the Isle of Capri opened on August 1, 1992, others followed. Gaming has helped fund upgrades of our infrastructure, roadways, community centers, sewer and water systems. Thousands have jobs, which has improved the quality of our citizens’ lives,” says Holloway.
Katrina strikes
Prior to 2005, Hurricane Camille in 1969 was the benchmark Gulf Coast storm. Camille cost billions and killed 143 from Louisiana to Alabama. Katrina topped Camille. Raging winds and 30-foot wave surges over eight hours ravaged every barrier and protective stabilizer. As a peninsula, Biloxi faced exposure on all sides. The world media focused on neighboring New
Orleans’ levee flooding, but Mississippi’s more severe damage spanned a wider area. The casino barges’ reinforced attachments splintered from their main properties. Katrina’s level of destruction may have varied among casino operations, but everyone confirms its life-changing, humbling effect. Ironically, the MGM International’s Beau Rivage
parallels the downtown business center and absorbed the brunt of the storm. Its 20-foot walls failed to stop 30-foot surges. At the Isle, a new barge was under construction the week before Katrina struck, and a new casino/hotel section had debuted in July 2005. Both were devastated, but management quickly recovered and the Isle was the first to reopen on December 26, 2005. Along the beachfront on Highway 90, Treasure
Bay’s iconic pirate ship was in ruins. Opened as a barge in April 1994, an authentic replica of an 18th century vessel soon replaced it. The adjacent medieval fort housed restaurants and other attractions. Katrina destroyed the ship’s reinforcements, reducing the structure to a broken shell.
Heading west and located several miles from the main highway, the Silver Slipper Casino in Bay St.
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