An Open Letter to Our Lay Lake Family

The fight against the proposed Coosa River Toll Bridge is over. Last night, the Shelby County Commission unanimously voted to deny Tim James Inc. the license to build a toll bridge over the Coosa River at Perkins Landing on Lay Lake.

Since we first spoke out on this issue at the Talladega County Commission meeting in early January, there have been hundreds of calls, texts, messages, and emails flooding our inbox from local residents, experts, members of the press, and concerned citizens asking for our help. Our action alert sent over 1900 emails to County Commissioners over the course of a few weeks.

The letter below is dedicated to y’all.


To our Layke Family,

Congratulations! We did it. It’s reassuring to know in these uncertain times, that one thing is for certain— NO BRIDGE!  Many of you have sent us texts, emails, and left comments thanking us for our work on this issue…

Y’all are underestimating your voice in this fight. We worked TOGETHER to protect Lay Lake from this unnecessary bridge. Thank you to the folks who were willing to attend Commission meetings, write speeches, go on camera, make buttons, create and share yard signs, pass out flyers, organize community meetings, and share how you’d be impacted with us.

It’s been a true honor to fight alongside y’all. The fight against the Coosa River Toll Bridge has created new friendships, allies, and opportunities for our small (but mighty) organization.  Y’all be sure to reach out to your commissioner and thank them for listening to your concerns and feedback!

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“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead

Thank y’all for trusting us to protect one of your most precious assets and resources, Lay Lake. It’s been a privilege to work alongside you and we can’t wait to celebrate with you in person in the future. Our work to protect the Coosa, her lakes, and skinny water from pollution can be hard, but people like you are the heartbeat to our work. You keep us going- literally with your passion and your investment in our work. 

Please consider taking action below to support our work to protect, restore, and promote the Coosa River and its tributaries! We hope we will see you on the river soon.

From the bottom of  the river (and our hearts), thank you!

The Coosa Riverkeeper Staff 


Live Your Best Layke Life:

5 Ways You Can Support Coosa Riverkeeper 

1. Donate $10: By joining us as a member (starting at $10), your 100% tax deductible and keeps us afloat so we can continue our work to protect Lay Lake and public health. Join us so we can keep fighting the good fight and we can have the resources we need to patrol, educate, and advocate. Make checks payable to Coosa Riverkeeper and mail them to 102-B Croft Street Mt Laurel, AL 35242.

2. Report Pollution: if you see something fishy on the water… take pictures, note the exact location and report pollution to us here.

3. Get the Skinny Before You Dip: we test water quality weekly for E. coli from Memorial Day to Labor Day. We test 30 sites on the river! This year, our Lay Lake sites will be at Paradise Point, Shelby Shores, Bulley Creek, and Spring Creek. Click here to learn more about Swim Guide.

4. Reel in Good Info on Fishing: Check out our interactive map that will show you where fish consumption advisories are in your neck of the woods, what the advisories mean for your health, and more!

5. Follow Us on Social Media & Email List: Please sign up to receive our emails with action alerts, water quality data, and upcoming events by visiting CoosaRiver.org! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for great articles, blog posts, information, and pictures.

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