CAIRO — Findings for Grady County’s extensive project are in and county officials went over the results.  

Will Butler, Tired Creek Lake project consultant, briefly presented key findings from a market study conducted on the Tired Creek Lake Project in a joint meeting with the Grady County Board of Commissioners and Lake Authority recently. 

The study, Butler said, found financial opportunities available at Tired Creek Lake. 

“But in a nutshell, it’s a mix of products,” he said. 

Butler also noted the market study reflected what would work best for a three to seven-year timeframe. The study also notes what can and cannot be done out at the lake, the project consultant said.  

The “low-hanging fruit,” Butler said, is single-family lots. Other notable market findings were the lake’s marina for potential recreation use and a possible retirement living feature. 

An RV park option also is possible. 

Lake Authority Chairman Lee Gainous said he was in favor of an RV park at Tired Creek Lake. 

An RV park is a “big business,” Butler added. 

The market study findings are also important, Butler noted, in trying to land a developer for the project. 

‘”That’s the kind of information we can use when we go out to speak to the development community,” he said. 

Setting Tired Creek Lake apart from other recreational lakes and driving revenue to Grady County, Butler said, also is key. 

“We’ve got to figure out what that is,” he said. “We have a really huge opportunity here, I believe.” 

Butler noted the county’s 100 percent control of the lake as a strength.  

“That is a differentiator,” he said. 

Butler added: “You’ve got a blank slate for development.” 

LaDon Toole, Lake Authority member, asked when to move forward with a project document and developer. 

Butler said he has a request for qualification (RFQ) draft, and noted putting the key findings from the market study in the draft. 

“What happens on the lake is very important to the community,” he said. 

Mills Brock, a realtor with 3 Rivers Realty in Bainbridge, suggested a shoreline use manual, which is in place at Lake Seminole. 

“I totally agree,” Butler said.  

Another strength for Tired Creek Lake was being located in a “great recreational area,” Butler noted. 

Weaknesses, Butler added, were the lake’s rural location and limited services. 

In other business, the Tired Creek Lake Authority: 

• Approved a joint resolution for settling a lawsuit with Steven M. Jones and Meanders River Restoration for $37,500. The Grady County Board of Commissioners approved the joint resolution at the Nov. 7 regular meeting. 

• Heard an update from Mike Binion, Tired Creek Lake manager, and attorney Kevin Cauley. 

Reporter Jordan Barela can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1826.