Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson recently highlighted some projects to address drainage issues across the city after receiving six to 10 inches of rain Sunday into Monday.
Stimpson said he was proud of the job of first responders who acted quickly to direct traffic and assist those in need. One driver had to be rescued by boat.
"Make no mistake about it. Floodwaters are dangerous and unpredictable," Stimpson said. "In those types of conditions, you can help our first responders by staying off the roadways unless it's absolutely necessary. If you are driving and you see standing water on the roadway, remember: 'Turn around, don't drown.'"
Stimpson said drainage infrastructure improvements and maintenance are underway. In 2024, 97 miles of ditches were cleared.
"Updating stormwater infrastructure is also a major component of the capital improvement projects the city undertakes," Stimpson added. "Since 2018, we have completely rebuilt the drainage infrastructure as part of major road reconstruction projects like the multiphase Broad Street Redevelopment and projects on Ann Street, Baltimore Street, Texas Street, and Florida Street. We are making a similar overhaul of the drainage systems as part of the work on S. McGregor Ave. and will be doing the same during the St. Louis Street Reconstruction that's slated to break ground this year. The rebuilding of this underground drainage infrastructure is one of the many reasons these kinds of projects are more costly and time-consuming."
The ongoing drainage improvement projects cost the city tens of millions of dollars, Stimpson said.
The City has been working on a map of the entire stormwater system, which is expected to be completed in the next six months. The map's purpose is to help guide future infrastructure investments.
No injuries or deaths were reported in Sunday's flooding.
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