20-03-2025
Mobile lake closure prompts state legislative action
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Alabama State Rep. Shane Stringer (R-Citronelle) has filed legislation prohibiting water boards and sewer commissions from banning or restricting recreational activities on lakes they own or control.
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According to a news release from the Alabama State House of Representatives, the legislation was filed after the Mobile Area Water and Sewer System decided in February to permanently close Big Creek Lake to recreational activities, including fishing and vehicles.
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'Suddenly declaring an entire lake off limits without offering specific reasons or justification is unfair and hurts the quality of life for everyone who lives in the area,' Stringer said. 'The residents of House District 102 are angry and upset at this bureaucratic nonsense, and I share their reaction, so if MAWSS refuses to reverse its decision, the Legislature can certainly step in and reverse it for them.'
According to the release, House Bill 473 said water or sewer boards 'may not in any way restrict the public's recreational use of a body of water, or portion thereof, owned or controlled by the board, including for fishing and boating.'
Mobile County residents who disagree with the lake's closure have already begun pushing for its reopening with a Facebook page.
'Public health departments, environmental agencies, and similar departments governed by other portions of the Code of Alabama would maintain their authority to declare health emergencies and take necessary actions to safeguard the public from contaminated bodies of water and other threats,' the Alabama House release said.
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Now that the bill has been filed, it has been sent to the House Boards, Agencies, and Commissions Committee, which is headed by State Rep. Margie Wilcox (R-Mobile).
Kendra Day contributed to this report.
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