Biloxi, Mississippi - The Biloxi Planning Commission has approved the expansion project of Palace Casino Resort.

The proposal will go to before the city council on Dec, 15.

The Palace, located on the Back Bay of Biloxi, plans new casino space, buffet and bakery, new spa, meeting rooms, sports bar and lounge.

General Manager Keith Crosby tells The Sun Herald that 110,000 square-foot expansion would open in stages because new facilities will replace the buffet and other amenities already there.

He expects construction to take about 20 months, until fall 2011.

The expansion will front the existing hotel tower and be elevated 31 feet, which Crosby said is above the required flood elevations but what management feels is the safe level.

___

Information from: The Sun Herald, http://www.sunherald.com