Effects of storms , such as Hurricane Katrina , have prolific impacts on communities . As described in the City of Biloxi section , much of the infrastructure in the City of Biloxi was in need of repair after Hurricane Katrina . The City of Biloxi was able to begin a restoration program , Restore Biloxi ; however , that program is still ongoing , which shows the extent of the damage that Hurricane Katrina caused and the long term effects .
During Hurricane Katrina , U . S . Highway 90 sustained damages in some sections while other sections were buried in sand . In addition , the Biloxi Back Bay Bridge was destroyed , blocking off access to Jackson County . Furthermore , the storm left multiple buildings damaged and vacant throughout the coast . Some homes and businesses are still vacant today , demonstrating how the rebuilding and economic recovery in the Gulf Coast has been a slow process . The total damages to the Mississippi Gulf Coast were at least $ 25 billion .
Part of the economic recovery in Biloxi is to reestablish the gaming industry in downtown Biloxi . Prior to Hurricane Katrina , dockside casino development was authorized on off‐shore moorings making them susceptible to impacts from storm surge and high winds . This was evidenced in Hurricane Katrina when all 13 casinos operating on the Gulf Coast were severely damaged or destroyed , most of which broke free of their moorings and drifted offsite . The outcome of the hurricane was a legislative amendment known as House Bill 45 , in 2005 , which allowed the construction of casinos up to 800 feet on shore , and in some locations , up to the southern boundary of the U . S . Highway 90 right‐of‐way in Harrison and Hancock Counties , but does not mandate that casinos be constructed on shore . After Hurricane Katrina , this House Bill allowed casinos to rebuild in a safer environment , while setting precedence for new casinos to be developed inland in the future . This piece of legislation put many employees back to work shortly after the storm , allowing Biloxi to regenerate economic development . Casinos in both Biloxi and D ’ Iberville continue to be built today .
This was and still is a significant piece of legislatio been one of the top economic drivers in the Stud Section 2.4 Economic Overview of this chapter .
Sources : http :// www . nhc . noaa . gov /; http :// www . cityhttps :// coast . noaa . gov /
2.3 .
Study Area Growth Trends The following section provides a profile of the Stu housing trends , and median home values . This in understanding the regional context and growth p Area .
Population Population data is based on the 2010 data provid Population numbers show the growth or decline Population is a major factor for the economy of t ultimately supports employment and housing opp information provides a comparison of the change AFB JLUS Study Area from 2000 to 2010 .
The population figures represent the permanent Area , and do not consider the temporary populat the tourism industry and transient workers . Tabl 2010 census totals and percent change in popula jurisdictions within the JLUS Study Area .
Background Report