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Biloxi Projects Given Green Light

BILOXI, Mississippi – As reported by the Biloxi Sun: "The Commission on Marine Resources on Tuesday gave a long-delayed casino project near Diamondhead more time to put its plans into action and said the Isle of Capri Biloxi can fill wetlands to expand its gambling space.

"Casino World Inc. received its fourth consecutive extension for a permit originally issued in 1996 to put two gambling barges, a bridge and a gazebo south of Diamondhead.

"Deborah A. Vitale, the company's CEO, said the project is now on a faster track. In June, the company and Trump Entertainment Resorts announced they had signed a letter of intent to form a joint venture and develop a casino resort.

"…Diamondhead Casino Corp. has to come back before the commission to apply for a permit related to trees that have already been cleared from its property. Vitale said the trees were storm damaged and property needed to be cleared to remove hurricane debris, including the Casino Magic Bay St. Louis entertainment barge.

"…Vitale said the goal is to have the Diamondhead casino open by Dec. 31, 2008, to qualify for federal tax benefits on new construction as part of the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005. The federal legislation excludes casinos, but not hotels and other buildings.

"Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. has plans for a new casino on property adjacent to the Diamondhead site, but it is in Harrison County and accessible from a different exit of Interstate 10..".

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