Partners in the Okhissa Lake project got a well-deserved pat on the back Saturday as those involved gathered with state and federal officials for a ceremony to celebrate the new dam.

It will be another two years before Okhissa Lake is open to the public, but that&8217;s nothing compared to the half century that has passed since the idea was first floated.

Franklin County residents, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Natural Resource Conservation Service and other agencies such as the Mississippi Department of Transportation worked together to make this lake a reality.

The lake&8217;s dam is 97 feet, the tallest earthen dam in the state. The entire project has been a $10 million investment.

We&8217;re puzzled by one thing, however: Last year, the Forest Service issued a call for proposals from developers interested in building cabins, campgrounds or a marina at the lake.

So far, though, the Forest Service has received no proposals.

We&8217;re amazed no one has yet expressed interest in what will be a beautiful natural resource for all of Southwest Mississippi. Surely someone has ideas that will enhance the beauty as well as the economy of the lake area.

There is certainly still time for proposals and even construction before the lake opens to the public. We hope someone will take advantage of this project and help pump more development into Franklin County&8217;s economy.