Judge: Ex-official lacks standing to proceed with lawsuit against Gulf State Park

A judge has ruled that the former commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources doesn’t have standing to continue his lawsuit against Gov. Robert Bentley and others over funding for a new hotel and upgrades at Gulf State Park.

Montgomery County Circuit Judge Truman Hobbs issued the ruling Tuesday, saying Charles Grimsley lacks standing to proceed with the lawsuit because the funds came from BP, and not taxpayers.

Grimsley’s lawsuit alleges that the BP funds for the project are not authorized to be used for the work under the 2013 legislation that initiated the project.

Grimsley tells Al.com that he’s discussing his next move with his attorneys.

Bentley says the 350-room lodge, trails and other improvements at Gulf State Park will be an asset for Alabama.

Republished with permission of the Associated Press.