U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for an entrance road project that will improve access to the Okhissa Lake rural development site in Franklin County, Mississippi. The site is planned to host a 200-room lodge and a conference center with capacity for 1,000 people.
Senator Hyde-Smith said she would continue working on legislation to transfer more federal land for the Okhissa Lake project. She noted her ongoing efforts since 2018 to secure federal support for the initiative.
“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 million in fiscal year 2026 appropriations for the entrance road. The funding was enacted on February 3 and follows $2 million previously provided in fiscal year 2023 appropriations.
The new road will include turn lanes, traffic signals, signage, drainage structures, utilities piping, roadway lighting, grading, pavement work and other related construction elements.
Hyde-Smith’s bill (S.2440), which seeks additional U.S. Forest Service acreage for the state-affiliated Scenic Rivers Development Alliance, was approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee last October and is now on the Senate legislative calendar.
Local leaders highlighted the collaborative nature of the effort:
“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 Board of Supervisors
“Starting construction of the Entrance Road for benefit of soon-to-be constructed lodge and conference center is a testament that private business – local,state,and federal government agencies -and foundations ,non-profits,and chambers can effectively work together develop rural areas .Post Covid travel has largely centered toward rural areas .Business opportunities chamber members throughout Southwest Mississippi enhanced with construction Entrance Road .”– Brad Jones ,President ,Franklin County Chamber Commerce
“Incremental progress – beginning with land acquisition now starting construction Entrance Road should soon lead building lodge conference center approximately 165 full time jobs ,construction jobs ,spin off industries housing starts .Beginning T.L.Wallace ’s work today ,real dollars begin flow into Scenic Rivers Region Mississippi .”– Catherine Sanders ,Executive Director ,Franklin County Economic Development District
“Developing largely rural area Southwest Mississippi continues top priority Franklin County Board Supervisors after delivery basic governmental services .Moving dirt Entrance Road begin complete original vision USDA Forest Service develop Lake Okhissa world class amenities .Scenic Rivers Development Authority partnership Mississippi federal delegation local legislators Lieutenant Governor executing well planned sustainable development project yield benefits next generation .”– Patrick Wade Larkin D.V.M .,President Franklin County Board Supervisors
“Enhancing core mission Scenic Rivers Development Alliance developing outdoor recreation local economic benefit top priority Scenic Rivers Development Alliance Board Directors .This project lynchpin attracting tourists Southwest Mississippi extending stay order allow them hike kayak fish golf enjoy out doors .Senator Hyde Smith Representative Guest Governor Tate Reeves Lieutenant Governor Hoseman led charge alongside Executive Director Joseph Parker Scenic Rivers Development Alliance staff begin construction Entrance Road lodge conference center Lake Okhissa .”– Ronnie Lindsey President Scenic Rivers Development Alliance Board Directors
According to her official website, Senator Hyde-Smith represents constituents across Mississippi with priorities including agriculture,rural communities,jobs,the economy,infrastructure,and education.She serves on several key committees such as Appropriations,Agriculture,Nutrition & Forestry,and Energy & Natural Resources.Hyde-Smith made history as the first woman elected to represent Mississippi in Congress.Her offices operate out of Washington,D.C.,and multiple locations across Mississippi.
