The Mobile Area Water and Sewer System (MAWSS) has announced its intention to release a request for proposal, allowing outside concessionaires to operate limited boating and fishing services on Mobile's Big Creek Lake.
1819 News first reported the plan earlier this year, which would disallow outside boats.
The board of the water system closed the lake to boating and fishing on February 4. As part of the plan, the private-sector partner would operate a boat rental facility at the reservoir. It would be open to fishing five days a week, expanding from the three days a week.
Big Creek Lake supplies drinking water for approximately 350,000 consumers in the greater Mobile area, or 70% of the population.
MAWSS is not a department of the City of Mobile. It is a separate agency funded by ratepayers and operated by the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners.
Efforts to undo the MAWSS ban are underway in the state legislature and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR).
Still, MAWSS says concerns have been raised about outside boats bringing invasive species into the water. According to court filings, there are currently five invasive species in the waterway, including Giant Salvinia.
MAWSS is suing the ADCNR, claiming the agency has "attacked MAWSS's effort" to protect the reservoir.
MAWSS aims to construct a new facility that will feature piers, a covered pavilion, shore fishing areas, restrooms and a rental facility.
WKRG reported that MAWSS is pressing charges against an individual who has illegally accessed the reservoir.
The ADCNR has issued a determination that Big Creek Lake is open to the public. However, that determination does not carry the force and effect of law.
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