Biloxi Bay Bridge at more than 60 percent of pre-Katrina traffic

Traffic on the Biloxi Bay Bridge is more than 60 percent of its pre-Katrina levels despite the bridge offering only two lanes, according to traffic counts taken since the bridge opened less than a month ago.

An average of 21,000 vehicles a day has crossed the bridge since it opened Nov. 1, according to MDOT traffic counts. The highest volume: 23,600 vehicles on Nov. 9. The lowest: 18,700 on Nov. 11. Before Hurricane Katrina, the Biloxi-Ocean Springs bridge carried about 33,000 vehicles on an average day. More >

Mississippi Leaders: Biloxi Finally Seeing Green in GO Zone

Two years after it was signed into law, the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act, or GO Zone, has kicked development into high gear along the Mississippi coast. GO Zone, which was established in 2005 after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, creates tax incentives and bond provisions for investors who rebuild along the gulf coast. In Biloxi, Miss., that means aggressive progress in the building of developments and casinos.

"Every day there is a new step on the road to recovery. People are discovering that Biloxi and Mississippi are doing remarkably well," says Biloxi mayor A.J. Holloway. More >

Affordable Housing In East Biloxi Nearly Rebuilt

Finding an affordable place to live in south Mississippi is a crisis that just won't go away. That's how the head of Biloxi's housing authority described one of the area's most pressing issues. On Monday, Bobby Hensley said his agency was about to provide hope to some of the people still searching for housing relief. More >

Rates on the Decrease - Businesses Are Finding Cheaper Insurance

Property insurance for commercial buildings is once again available and more affordable through the private market, said Coast businessmen who hope to see development pick up as a result.

"This is the most important issue to face South Mississippi - bar none," said Brooks Holstein, founder and managing partner of ComVest Properties LLC. "I think you're doing your company and your business an absolute disservice if you don't bid every insurable asset in your company because new markets are opening almost monthly." More >

Housing Boom on the Horizon

What so far has been spotty progress in replacing the thousands of dwellings wiped out across Hancock County by Hurricane Katrina appears poised to morph into the biggest residential construction boom the county has ever seen.

From single homes in Waveland being lovingly rebuilt by church volunteers, to north county subdivisions where dozens of houses will soon rise, “People are really starting to pick up the pace,” says Mickey Lagasse, the county’s chief building official. “I think we’re going to see a huge boom in construction in the next few years.” More >