After a failed attempt by a private developer, the State of Oklahoma and the Chickasaw Nation have come to an agreement to develop a resort on Lake Texoma. The resort hotel will feature a restaurant and gift shop, casino and lakefront fishing/boating cottages.
The project will encompass 50 acres of lakefront property and will overlook the lake and the historic Roosevelt Bridge. The Commissioners of the Land Office (CLO) also contributed about 11.5 acres of land it acquired from the State Tourism Department.
Point Vista Development, LLC took over the former site of the Lake Texoma Lodge and Resort in 2006. The development was stopped after the lodge was demolished in 2009. Point Vista blamed a downturn in the economy. The land returned to state ownership after lawsuits were settled last year.
With an agreement forged with the state, the Chickasaw Nation is now taking on the challenge of developing the area for tourism.
“We believe this project will help launch a transformation of this area into a major tourism and recreation attraction,” said Chickasaw Governor Bill Anoatubby. “We look forward to working with the state on a project we expect to have a positive impact on jobs and our economy for decades to come.”
Governor Fallin is glad the area is getting another chance to become a tourist stop in southeastern Oklahoma.
“This project will create jobs and revenue for southern Oklahoma while at the same time maintaining the beauty of the site,” said Fallin. “The Lake Texoma lodge and golf course for many years were a top tourist attraction in the region. This hotel and commercial development will be the catalyst to stimulate significantly greater economic development in the future. I appreciate Governor Anoatubby’s vision and willingness to partner with the state of Oklahoma to continue our joint efforts focusing on tourism in this beautiful and strategically located part of our state.”
The first step for the Chickasaw Nation is to put the land into a trust status. It could take several months to accomplish that.
“If the land can be placed into trust, our intent and plan is to develop this premier lakefront property into destination lodging and a casino,” said Bill Lance, secretary of commerce for the Chickasaw Nation.
