Sardis Lake development project could increase tourism in the Mid-South, town official says

SARDIS, Miss — 1,000 acres of development on Sardis Lake in North Mississippi could bring new tourism attractions to the area, an official said.

The town of Sardis is purchasing the property from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Greg Davis, the former Southaven mayor who’s now the Sardis tourism director, said big things are in the works for the waterfront property. Ground could be broken on the project in the next two years, he said.

Davis said that for more than 30 years, the town of Sardis has been trying to buy this waterfront property from the Army Corps of Engineers.

Instead, they have been leasing.

That changed with new in legislation in Washington.

”Which was signed by the president on the 23rd of last year, and it instructed the Corps to sell the property to the city of Sardis,” Davis said.

They are for the property in and around the Sardis Marina. It would be developed to include hundreds of upscale homes and a hotel with an indoor water park.

There would be an equestrian center, cabins and a convention center.

It would also expand an existing restaurant.

”Tax-wise, it is over $500 million investment that will take place out there,” Davis said, “but it will allow the town to improve in its current location, and the two areas work together.”

Reaction from locals on the development planned for the area depends on who you talk to.

“Not too excited about it,” Buddy Goodwin, of Panola County, said. “I like it just the way it is. There could be less, but as far as I am concerned too many people.”

Paula Shuck feels differently.

”I think it could be great, especially something for the kids to do, and it would bring some more businesses to our small community,” she said.

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