NATCHEZ — Natchez Enterprises is one step away from breaking ground on their casino on Roth Hill Road.

The Mississippi Gaming Commission granted unanimous approval of Enterprises’ site plan, Ted Doody, president of Natchez Enterprises said.

“(That) means we’ve met all of the ordinances that govern the development of casinos in Mississippi and we’ve given evidence of finances and are by all intents and purpose ready to go,” Doody said.

He said the last step is to get a permit from the Corps of Engineers.

“Once we have that, our project will be fully entitled and we’ll be ready to go,” he said.

Natchez Enterprises plans to break ground by the end of March, Doody said.

The projected completion date should be in the summer of 2009, he said.

“It’s a 12-to-14 month building cycle,” he said.

The two-story, 40,000 square-foot casino will be partially on land and partially suspended over the river, to meet Mississippi Gaming Commission requirements.

It will have two restaurants, a bar and lounge and will have an outdoor entertainment and dining section.

A park, which has become part of the Natchez Trails project, is included in the plans.

The park will have a walkway, water features and gardens.

The construction of the park will be around $50 million.

The casino’s design has been approved by the Historic Natchez Foundation.