Franklin Advocate
Senator excited about Okhissa Lake Resort progress
By Paul Keane, Franklin Advocate
United States Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith said the impending fruition of the Okhissa Lake Lodge is an exciting time for residents of Franklin County and the surrounding area.
Hyde-Smith was in town Monday for the presentation of a $10,000 donation from Milwaukee Tools to the Franklin County Career and Technical Center.
She took time out to discuss the lodge project being developed by the Scenic River Development Authority. In January, it was announced that Hyatt Hotels would be the operator for the 200,000 square foot conference center and resort being developed.
The plans are to develop a lodge that will include 152 guest rooms, along with 28 cabins scattered around the property. Two ballrooms for events, chess competitions and conferences will be complimented by three dining spaces — including a lakeside restaurant — and a resort pool
with covered cabanas.
"I am so excited about this project," Hyde-Smith said. "A lot of people have been working for several years on bringing this together, and it is going to be such an economic boost for this area."
Depending upon the weather, vertical construction on the resort is scheduled to begin this summer with plans to open in late 2027 or early 2028. The Senator said other projects to compliment the resort are also being looked at.
"There are so many opportunities with this project," she said. "Plans are to pursue a world-class golf course to go along with the resort.
"Southwest Mississippi has been deserving of this for so long, and I hope everyone enjoys this once it opens."
Hyde-Smith did said that federal appropriations — in addition to the land already donated — are "definitely a possibility," and that state appropriations — including $8 million two years ago — has just added to teams and people brought together under the Scenic Rivers Development
umbrella to make this happen.
"All the right players are in place," she said. "The Creekmore family has been a big part of seeing this to competition. They are very good at putting people and teams together, and that is what it has taken to get this project as far as it has come."