HYDE-SMITH HELPS BREAK GROUND TO OPEN ACCESS TO OKHISSA LAKE PROJECT IN SOUTHWEST MISS.

Miss. Senator Continues Work on New Bill to Convey Additional Acreage for Lakeside Lodge & Conference Center Project

022026 Okhissa Lake Entrance Road Project
PHOTO:  Senator Hyde-Smith (sixth from right) Helps Break Ground for Okhissa Lake Entrance Road Project.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Miss. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today vowed to continue working for passage of her bill to authorize the transfer of additional federal property to support the Okhissa Lake rural development project in Franklin County.

Hyde-Smith, who launched federal backing for the lodge and conference center at Okhissa Lake as a new Senator in 2018, touched on her new legislation during a groundbreaking ceremony for an entrance road infrastructure project to improve access to the lake and rural development site that will be home to a 200-room lodge and a 1,000-person conference center.

“The Entrance Road project provides us with tangible evidence that the Okhissa Lake lodge and conference center is coming to life,” Hyde-Smith said.  “I am grateful to everyone who has played a role in helping this project move along for so many years and to our partners who committed their support to making this an inviting destination for Southwest Mississippi.”

“In addition to funds for this project, I am also currently working on securing another land transfer to get more access to this beautiful body of water,” Hyde-Smith added.  “We’re working diligently to get it passed through both chambers of Congress.  Nothing moves fast in Washington, D.C., as all of you know, but we are laser-focused on doing what we can to get this project done so that one day we can reap the employment and economic benefits it will have on this community.”

As chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) Appropriations Subcommittee, Hyde-Smith secured $2.0 million in the FY2026 T-HUD Appropriations Bill for the entrance road project, which will include turn lanes, traffic signals, signage, drainage structures, piping of utilities, roadway lighting, grading, pavement, curb-gutter, and other construction-related items.  This funding became law on February 3 and builds on the $2.0 million secured in the FY2023 T-HUD bill to begin site development.

Hyde-Smith’s bill (S.2440) to convey additional U.S. Forest Service acreage to the state-affiliated Scenic Rivers Development Alliance has been placed on the U.S. Senate legislative calendar after it was approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee last October.

Quotes:

“We appreciate the assistance of Senator Hyde Smith and all our federal delegation in moving this local, state and federal collaborative project forward.  The construction of this Entrance Road will flow into construction of the lodge and conference center, which will set the Scenic Rivers Region of Mississippi toward great growth.  Full support from our State leadership has advanced our cooperative vision for using natural resources to develop Southwest Mississippi.” – Joseph L. Parker, Executive Director, Scenic River Development Alliance

“For over 60 years, local officials in Southwest Mississippi have envisioned a gateway into the Homochitto National Forest.  The economic benefits to the Town of Meadville and the entire Scenic Rivers Region of Mississippi will eventually benefit roads, bridges, health care, fire protection and other essential governmental services.  The Board of Alderman and I could not be prouder that construction is starting on the Entrance Road to the lodge and conference center.” – Lane B. Reed, Mayor, Town of Meadville

“After more than five years of planning, coordinating and persistence, the Amite County Board of Supervisors and I are proud to move forward with construction of the Entrance Road to the lodge and conference center - which will support the Ethel Stratton Vance Natural Area, Quail Hollow Golf Course and the Bogue Chitto Water Park.  The five-county Coalition, which is the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance, continues to build bridges into Southwest Mississippi.” – Butch Graves, President, Amite County, Mississippi Board of Supervisors

“Starting construction of the Entrance Road for the benefit of the soon to be constructed lodge and conference center is a testament that private business - local, state and federal government and agencies - and foundations, non-profits, and chambers can effectively work together to develop rural areas.  Post Covid travel has largely centered toward rural areas.  Business opportunities for chamber members throughout Southwest Mississippi are enhanced with construction of the Entrance Road.” – Brad Jones, President, Franklin County Mississippi Chamber of Commerce

“Incremental progress - beginning with land acquisition to now starting construction of the Entrance Road should soon lead to building a lodge and conference center with approximately 165 full time jobs, construction jobs, spin-off industries and housing starts.  Beginning with T. L. Wallace’s work today, real dollars will begin to flow into the Scenic Rivers Region of Mississippi.” – Catherine Sanders, Executive Director, Franklin County Economic Development District

“Developing the largely rural area of Southwest Mississippi continues to be the top priority of the Franklin County Board of Supervisors, after delivery of basic governmental services.  Moving dirt on this Entrance Road will begin to complete the original vision of the USDA Forest Service to develop Lake Okhissa, with world class amenities.  The Scenic Rivers Development Authority, in partnership with the Mississippi federal delegation and local legislators and the Lieutenant Governor are executing a well-planned, sustainable development project that will yield benefits for the next generation.” – Patrick Wade Larkin, D.V.M., President, Franklin County, Mississippi Board of Supervisors

“Enhancing the core mission of the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance, by developing outdoor recreation for local economic benefit, is the top priority for the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance Board of Directors.  This project is the lynchpin for attracting tourists to Southwest Mississippi and extending their stay in order to allow them to hike, kayak, fish, golf and enjoy the out-of-doors.  Senator Hyde Smith, Representative Guest, Governor Tate Reeves and Lieutenant Governor Hoseman have led the charge, alongside Executive Director, Joseph Parker and the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance staff to begin construction of the Entrance Road to the lodge and conference center on Lake Okhissa.” – Ronnie Lindsey, President, Scenic Rivers Development Alliance Board of Directors

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Issues
Agriculture
Energy and Environment
Infrastructure & Public Works
Jobs and Economy
Rural Communities
Region
Southwest