A longterm resort development project at Sardis Lake is experiencing political turmoil after Delta business leaders, elected officials and farmers voiced concerns that the project could adversely affect the Delta.

The development, dubbed the “Sardis Lake Project,” has been in the works for more than two decades and has already overcome monumental barriers and experienced tremendous federal investment.

The project traces its roots to 1989, when the City of Sardis began preliminary feasibility studies to develop the Corps-owned property. Prior to the city’s involvement, there had been a push from the late Bill McArthur, who was interested in operating a marina at the lake.

Former Sardis Mayor Richard Darby was a strong supporter of the project, pushing for the city’s involvement and describing a vision to utilize the pristine acreage around the flood control lake that had sat mostly unused since the Corps took the property to build the lake. The Corps owned land was located on high ground, never in danger of flooding.

“We started this process in 1989 and said it would take at least 20 years to come to fruition,” Darby reported during the 2003 grand opening of Skipper Marina.

Delta Concerns

The City of Sardis initially obtained a 25-year lease on 1,063 acres that is owned by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, a lease that was later extended to 75 years. The city then negotiated with Skipper Marina Developments, a company that builds and operates marinas all over the country.

The marina is just one portion of the project; longterm planning includes a first-class resort with condos, a golf course and a hotel and conference center. This larger development would require more acreage, especially to accommodate the golf course.

If the project continues, the city needs to lease an additional 2,000 acres. This potential transaction is what has drawn the scrutiny of the folks living downstream.

In an August article appearing in the Delta Business Journal, Quitman County Chancery Clerk and administrator Butch Scipper voiced concerns that the development might put pressure on the U.S. Corps of Engineers to alter the rule curve – the formula used by engineers to regulate the lake level.

His concerns followed a June meeting in Leflore County where business leaders met with Senator Roger Wicker’s staff members. Again, the concern was that the Corps would increase the water level at the lake, a move that could cause flooding in the Delta during wet years.

The Rest Of The Story

What has not been reported with this latest controversy is the lake fluctuation was identified as a major hurdle early in the project. In order for the project to become viable, the marina and resort would have to be operational during winter months, when the water level is extremely low, and during high water levels at other seasons.

The solution was two-fold and expensive. First, federal funding was obtained, more than $5 million, to dredge a portion of the lake that would access the marina located at Shady Cove. This work allowed boats to access the slips at the marina year-round.

The second portion of the development, which has also been completed, was to build a levee across Shady Cove. This levee creates a separate pool that does not fluctuate with the main lake level. This pool will give the resort waterfront property all year.

The levee that was constructed across Shady Cove also could be the pathway connecting the golf course that would span two sides of Shady Cove.

Looking Ahead

Much of the work on the project has been political maneuvering, behind-the-scenes work. The political support of Senator Roger Wicker, who was serving as Congressman during much of the project, and Congressman Bennie Thompson provided the clout to get the federal dollars — millions and millions — for studies, more studies and finally for infrastructure.

Insiders have long reported that Thompson has provided vital support to the project, even though Panola County is not in his district.

The City of Sardis also has a substantial investment in the infrastructure already in place. Some of this investment is borrowed money, and is being repaid through impact fees paid by Skipper Marina.

So far the project has survived local politics, including two leadership changes at the mayor’s office, and different aldermen. What’s interesting is that much of the work on the city’s behalf, including negotiations with the Corps does not surface in monthly board meetings. In fact, several Sardis aldermen have expressed negative sentiment about the project.

The Delta Business Journal also reported that a potential developer, Southern Developers Realty, could be at the table. Details about the developer have also been scarce, at least at the local level.

Now, in 2010, Skipper Marina has invested more than $5 million to build the marina. Add that to the taxpayers’s investment – an estimated $20 million-plus that is questionable at best –  and it would be a shame to pull the plug on this project now.

What this project needs is a strong voice, not only from city officials, but with unified county-wide support. This support could steer the project through the remaining hurdles and land a major investment in Panola County.