Chickasaw Nation project expected to create positive economic impact for area
ARDMORE, Okla. – The Chickasaw Nation’s development of a resort at Lake Murray is underway and more than halfway complete.
Lakecrest Hotel and Casino, located on State Highway 70, 2 miles east of I-35 exit 29, features a 58,000-square-foot hotel with 89 rooms, as well as a resort-style pool, business center and conference space.
The development also includes a 70,000-square-foot casino that will feature about 1,000 electronic games, eight table games, and a restaurant and bar.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby said the project is a testament to the Chickasaw Nation’s commitment to invest in and provide opportunities for communities across the 13-county treaty territory.
“Once complete this project is expected to generate a great deal of jobs in the community and revenue, which will be used to fund and expand programs and services for Chickasaw people and help meet our mission, to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people,” he said.
The Carter County development is anticipated to employ more than 200 people and have an estimated $3.7 million annual payroll.
Studies conducted on the Chickasaw Nation’s behalf estimate a total economic impact on the regional economy in year one of about $102.4 million, including construction. A five-year economic impact is estimated at about $307.6 million.
“We believe this project will become a destination location and economic engine for the region,” Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Commerce Dan Boren said. “This project continues to leverage our experience in providing entertainment, retail and hospitality while attracting visitors from Texas, Arkansas and surrounding states.”
Plans call for construction of the Lakecrest Hotel and Casino to be complete in the spring of 2024.
The Chickasaw Nation’s annual economic impact in the state of Oklahoma is $5.5 billion, supporting more than 34,400 jobs and $1.8 billion in wages and benefits.
A significant number of these jobs are associated with tourism attractions in rural Oklahoma, which provides a boost to the state and local economy and enables Oklahomans to achieve economic success while staying close to home and family.
Governor Anoatubby led ribbon cutting ceremonies May 2 for West Bay Casino and Resort, situated along the scenic shore of Lake Texoma.
Built on the site of the former Lake Texoma State Lodge, West Bay Casino and Resort features a luxury three-story, 40-room hotel that includes a meeting space and premier amenities, including an outdoor pool and recreation areas, a fitness center, a gift shop, a business center and a restaurant.
Ten well-appointed cabins and a casino are included in the resort development. Each cabin comes equipped with a full-service kitchen, fireplace and spacious shared living room.
The property features stunning views of Lake Texoma and the historic Roosevelt Bridge connecting Marshall and Bryan counties.
The new development will have a nearly $58 million economic impact during the first year of operation, according to a study commissioned by the Chickasaw Nation.
About Lake Murray
Spring-fed Lake Murray, 13528 Scenic State Highway 77, features 5,700 acres and is one of the clearest lakes in Oklahoma, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Tourism.
The lake is located within the 12,500-acre Lake Murray State Park.
Visitors to Lake Murray can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, boating, hiking on nature trails surrounding the lake, horseback riding, miniature golf and more.
The area is named for Oklahoma Governor William “Alfalfa Bill” Murray.
Lake Murray State Park is located south of Ardmore and spans the Love and Carter County line.
Lake Murray State Park became the first Oklahoma state park to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.