Committee backs bill to require beneficial use of Mobile Bay dredge material

Representative Marcus told the Ports, Waterways & Intermodal Transit Committee that House Bill 181 defines what constitutes a "beneficial use" of dredged material and would require maintenance dredging of the Mobile Bay channel and beneficial disposition of dredged material for erosion control, shoreline restoration and similar purposes.

"What it does is it defines what beneficial use is, and it requires the maintenance dredging of the channel of the Mobile Bay to 7030," Representative Marcus said (transcript numbers are unclear). Marcus said the bill would treat placement of dredged sludge back into the bay—often referred to in the discussion as "thin layer placement"—as not a beneficial use under the bill.

Marcus acknowledged the proposal could increase costs. He noted a 2024 Senate change by Senator Brett that adjusted a depth threshold to "55 feet or less" (from 50) and stated that the federal government is responsible for 100 percent of the dredging cost. Committee members raised no recorded objections to reporting the bill favorably.

Representative Lipscomb moved for a favorable report and Representative Hassell seconded; the committee approved HB181 for a favorable report by voice vote.

Why it matters: dredging and the disposition of dredged material affect navigation, shoreline stability and habitat; defining "beneficial use" can shape how dredged material is reused and the environmental outcomes for Mobile Bay.

Next steps: HB181 advances from committee with a favorable report and will continue through the legislative process.