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Biloxi Main Street outlines ‘under‑the‑interstate’ HHOP revitalization and funding needs
Summary
Biloxi Main Street representatives described the HHOP project to transform under‑interstate space into a community hub, reporting roughly $275,000 in grants to date and requesting an additional ~$500,000 state award to complete LED lighting and other elements.
Representatives of Biloxi Main Street presented the HHOP initiative — a plan to transform an under‑utilized area beneath the interstate into an activated community hub — and outlined funding, activity and usage data during the city council meeting.
K. K. Miller, identified on the record as representing Biloxi Main Street, said the project grew out of a 2022 road‑mapping session funded by the Kellogg Foundation and shaped by input from elected officials, community leaders, city staff, merchants and the Main Street board. "The HOH HOP project transformed an underutilized space under the interstate into a vibrant community hub," Miller said, summarizing the concept and its goals to improve connectivity between two parts of downtown.
Miller said about $275,000 has been raised so far — drawn from ARPA, Kellogg and the Knight Foundation — and that Main Street is seeking approximately $500,000 in Mississippi Main Street (MMSRG) state funding to complete LED lighting runs and finish under‑interstate improvements. Miller noted the House has passed the state funding portion and the item must now pass the Senate and secure gubernatorial approval.
Corey Christy, Main Street’s design lead, described on‑the‑ground results north of the railroad tracks, including an 18‑hole disc‑golf course and a do‑it‑yourself skate park. Christy cited check‑in data for the disc‑golf course indicating monthly users approaching 400 and said the combined attractions bring roughly under 1,000 visits a month to that area, drawing some users from more than 100 miles away.
Council members asked clarifying questions about geographic coverage, previous grants and how Main Street administers projects. Miller said Main Street is project‑based (not a general grant administrator), described past facade and housing grant efforts (including a downtown housing funding program that was used roughly two to three years ago), and said the organization helps raise money and coordinate projects.
Council members suggested holding a workshop to review the road map and discuss possible expansions and next steps. Main Street offered to supply printed road‑mapping materials and usage data to the council and city staff for follow‑up.
