Efforts on behalf of a long-discussed lake project in the Millersville area are continuing. The Regional Lake Landowners Association is ready to propose legislative changes regarding development of the lake that address some of the concerns that have stymied the project since it was first suggested several years ago.

To its credit, the landowners association also is asking the economics department at Southeast Missouri State University to do an economic-impact study and the marketing department to do a random telephone survey.

Both of these moves take the fact finding out of the clearly partisan hands of those who have been working hard to generate interest in the recreational lake on the Cape Girardeau-Bollinger county line. As with any push, there is built-in skepticism when supporters rely on their own interests to formulate a rationale.

It can be hoped that the university departments will apply the highest and strictest standards to their efforts on behalf of the lake project. While the results won't be the final word, the two studies should at least provide valuable information for future consideration by landowners and voters who will ultimately be asked to get involved.