By Associated Press
Montgomery, AL – A Montgomery County judge was asked Wednesday to stop the state from developing a resort at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores unless prices at the hotel are affordable for average Alabama citizens.
The state Conservation Department is planning a $100 million, 350-room hotel. Attorneys for several of the parties challenging the state's plans told Circuit Judge Gene Reese the hotel would be out of the price range of most Alabamians.
Those suing to stop the project include Perdido Beach Resort, located near the state park, former Conservation Commissioner Charley Grimsley, the Alabama Education Association and the Alabama State Employees Association.
After hearing arguments for about two hours Wednesday, Reese said he would issue a ruling after receiving further written arguments from attorneys. He gave attorneys two weeks to submit those written arguments.
Under the state proposal, the hotel and convention center would replace a lodge that was destroyed in 2004 by Hurricane Ivan. It would be run by a private company, West Paces Hotel Group, with Auburn University hospitality industry students working at the site.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)