Biloxi City Council endorses President's plan to fill Sound

While the project would still have to receive master plan approval from the city, President officials hope the resolution will help them attract investors and secure support from federal and state officials who must approve the project.

The City Council voted 6-0 Tuesday to support the President's plans to expand into a resort with 12 hotels and six casinos. Councilman Mike Fitzpatrick didn't vote because his daughter works for the President.

"This is a very easy vote for me because I'm pro-business," said Councilman Bill Fluty. "I would prefer that it not stick so far out into the Sound, but if that's what it takes to bring in businesses, then bring it on."

Secretary of State Eric Clark rejected an earlier version of the expansion plan. Before he would support the new plan, Clark said that President Casinos needed to get resolutions in support of the project from the Harrison County Board of Supervisors and the City Council.

County supervisors endorsed the project in May and sent a copy of the resolution to Clark.

Despite the approvals, some casino industry analysts say President Casinos will not be able to generate financing for the $2 billion project and doubt the demand for gambling would support such a project.

The Nasdaq Stock Market recently dropped President Casinos from its daily listings, saying the company fell below its $4 million minimum asset requirement.

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