Bonham, Texas (Sept. 16, 2026) - The Bonham Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO) announced today that plans for the first public marina at Bois d'Arc Lake are moving forward following approval by the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) Board of Directors.
The marina will add a significant new recreational amenity to Bois d'Arc Lake as Bonham and the surrounding region see increased residential and business investment.
On Aug. 27, the NTMWD Board authorized a Marina Lease and Use Agreement with JW Marina Development, LLC, along with associated easements and a subsequent development agreement for shoreline improvements and related commercial activities. The initial phase calls for at least 200 boat slips, along with docks, walkways and supporting facilities. The new marina will be managed by Waterview Management Group, LLP and operated by Waterview Marinas, which brings experience from Lake Grapevine and Lake Texoma.
"Bois d'Arc Lake is an important economic development and quality of life asset for Bonham and Fannin County, and this marina is another step in realizing its potential," said BEDCO Executive Director William Myers. "More amenities around the lake will bring more visitors and drive demand for new restaurants, retail, lodging, recreation services and other businesses on the lake and in neighboring communities. It also gives us another way to introduce people to Bonham as a place to live, work and invest."
Located just 10 minutes northeast of Bonham, Bois d'Arc Lake opened to the public in 2024 and has expanded outdoor recreation opportunities in Fannin County. NTMWD estimates that recreation at the lake could ultimately generate approximately $166 million annually for the county.
The lake's development comes as the center of North Texas growth continues to move north. Located approximately 40 minutes from McKinney and 30 minutes from Sherman's growing tech hub, Bonham connects residents to major regional employment centers while offering more affordable housing and a high quality of life. Along with Bois d'Arc Lake, proximity to Lake Bonham and the new Lake Ralph Hall adds to the area's recreational appeal.
"More buyers are beginning to recognize the value Bonham and Fannin County offer," said Hannah Cupps, a Realtor with C4 Home and Land Team, which specializes in lake, land and residential real estate throughout Bonham, Fannin County and the Bois d'Arc Lake area. "As more of the region's growth moves north, Bonham is becoming an increasingly attractive option because of its affordability, quality of life and everything taking shape across the area. Bois d'Arc Lake is already a major draw, and a public marina gives people one more reason to visit, invest and put down roots in the area."
That momentum is increasingly visible in Bonham, where new residential development, business investment and downtown improvements are all moving forward. Powder Creek Ranch, the city's first master-planned community, is planned for approximately 3,000 homes across seven phases through 2035, with future retail, restaurant and office space as well as parks, trails and open space. Asher Oaks, a nearly 27-acre development in the heart of Bonham, is adding 78 single-family lots built by D.R. Horton, with full buildout expected by 2028. Centurion American is also planning Legacy Ridge, a community that will feature more than 400 homes around Legacy Ridge Golf Course.
In March, global manufacturer Vector Systems relocated its headquarters from McKinney to their Bonham facility with plans to increase its workforce from 129 employees to approximately 230 within three years. The City of Bonham also created its first four Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones this past year, including the City of Bonham and Fannin County zone (TIRZ #3) to support infrastructure and redevelopment downtown and along major highway corridors. Revitalization of the Bonham Visitor Center is also underway, helping strengthen downtown as a destination for commerce, tourism and community activity. Together, these investments are positioning Bonham for quality growth and preparing the city to welcome visitors to the new marina as early as the end of 2028.
ABOUT BONHAM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (BEDCO)
Located at the intersection of Sam Rayburn Highway (Hwy 121) and U.S. Highway 82, Bonham, Texas, serves as the county seat of Fannin County and is conveniently positioned just 60 miles north of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and 30 minutes east of Sherman's growing tech hub. With its historic downtown, affordable neighborhoods, exceptional quality of life and easy access to major regional centers, Bonham attracts families, professionals and businesses seeking growth and connection throughout North and Northeast Texas.
The Bonham Economic Development Corporation (BEDCO) is a Type B EDC established under the Texas Development Corporation Act of 1997, funded by a half-cent, voter-approved sales tax dedicated to growing Bonham's economy. With a 2025-26 sales tax budget of $1.1 million, BEDCO is investing in vital infrastructure, upgrades at Jones Field Airport, public parks, and strategic commercial and industrial development to create new jobs. BEDCO also supports downtown revitalization through matching grants that help business owners enhance their properties.
For more information, visit www.cityofbonham.org/163/BEDCO.
