Lake Norman Marine Commission DISSOLVED

The Lake Norman Marine Commission (LNMC) began the process of disestablishment when the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners voted to withdraw from the LNMC. Under existing statutes, if one county withdraws from the commission the entire commission will dissolve. Currently, the LNMC is responsible for overseeing public recreation, water safety, and environmental stewardship on Lake Norman.

The commission had quite a bit of support at the May 5th Lincoln County Board meeting with many vocalizing reasons why Lincoln County should not withdraw from the commission. Those against the withdrawal argued that since the founding of the LNMC deaths on the lake have been seriously reduced. In 2024 there was only one death on Lake Norman, and that fatality was attributed to an unlicensed boat rental company. At the Lincoln County Board meeting J. Johnson, the acting chairman of the commission, stated that the goal of zero fatalities on the lake for 2025 was the goal and was supposed to be very achievable. However, there were a few in attendance that were in favor of Lincoln County withdrawing, stating that the Lake Norman Marine Commission was not addressing issues they had been contacted about. Additionally, a former member of the Commission spoke in favor of Lincoln County withdrawing as the commission is struggling to maintain the navigational aids system.

The plan is not for Lake Norman to be without an oversight body for long; Senate Bill (SB) 697 is legislation creating a new marine commission for Lake Norman with “more authority,” according to Senator Vickie Sawyer. The new commission would have additional commissioners from each county involved. The current marine commission will not be officially dissolved until June 30, and supporters of a new commission are hoping it will be instituted by July 4, 2025.