Universal Music Group announced plans to invest $1.2 billion to bring a UMUSIC Hotel to Biloxi, Mississippi, which will involve transforming the former Broadwater Resort site into a new hotel and entertainment venue.

This exciting new regional entertainment destination reinvigorates the need for passenger rail service to provide a convenient way for visitors across the Gulf Coast and beyond to travel to Biloxi. The Southern Rail Commission intends to leverage this opportunity and momentum to make swift progress toward completing the project underway to establish daily passenger rail service from Mobile to New Orleans with stops in Biloxi.

“We are thrilled to welcome this major entertainment resort to our city, which will undoubtedly bring more visitors to our area—creating a need for convenient transportation options, like passenger rail service,” said Biloxi Mayor Andrew “Fofo” Gilich. “This development is yet another reason why a passenger rail line across the Gulf Coast makes sense and will be key to growing and sustaining our regional tourism economy.”