The continuing saga of Oktibbeha County Lake may lead to a major plot twist since county supervisors learned of an amendment to ARPA rules that seriously questions how the county can fund repairs to the dam at the lake.

The future of the lake has been in jeopardy since 2020, when flooding threatened to breach the dam and called it to question its integrity. Initial estimates to repair the dam back then were $8 million, but those estimates have continued to rise to meet Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality safety standards.

The current projected cost is $15 million to $17 million, but the cost could rise or decline based on a final estimate yet to be provided to the supervisors.

That’s no small price tag.

Until last week, the county had planned to use most of its $9.6 million in ARPA funds, along with matching ARPA funds from the state, to cover the cost of those repairs.

With the state funds ineligible for use on the project, the county now faces potentially borrowing millions to repair or replace the dam.

There is another option: The county could decommission the lake, which would involve cutting through the dam and allowing the water level to decrease to the level of the cut. This wouldn’t drain the lake; it would create wetlands with limited waterfront access for the handful of homeowners whose properties border the lake.

Supervisors voted 4-1 on Monday to solicit quotes on the costs associated with decommissioning the lake. Asking for a quote does not commit the board to decommissioning the lake.

We commend the board for exploring this option. Keeping the lake in its current state is expensive and benefits few.

In 1965, county voters approved a bond issue to build a recreational lake on the site. Interestingly, the bond issue passed on the strength of the vote from Starkville residents. Voters outside the city limits voted against the bond, according to newspaper accounts.

The cost to build the lake was $150,000 – $1.3 million in today’s dollars. Lake supporters envisioned a lake that would draw pleasure crafts and fishing and spur development in the area.

That vision has yet to be fulfilled. Because part of the lake and much of the surrounding area is located on 16th Section land, there are limited opportunities for development.

There is limited free public access to the lake and no public boat ramps.

Part of the lake is under lease to former Mississippi State basketball coach Rick Stansbury who operates a beach and park on the property. But that lease is being litigated because low lake levels have prevented Stansbury from operating the park as intended.

The question for the supervisors now is what is the best path forward.

Decommissioning the lake is a valid option, and the supervisors are wise to explore it. That price tag will be substantially lower than estimates to repair the dam.

The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.