Judge hears arguments in lawsuit against Robert Bentley over oil spill funds for beach hotel

Lawyers for Alabama officials are asking a judge to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the use of oil spill settlement funds to build a beach hotel.

Montgomery Circuit Judge Greg Griffin heard arguments Tuesday in the request to dismiss the case.

The state auditor and a legislator sued Gov. Robert Bentley, saying the money is being allocated without legislative approval. Tabor Novak, an attorney representing Bentley and the other defendants, said the case is nearly identical to one previously dismissed by the court.

Bill Baxley, an attorney for the plaintiffs, told the judge the state is trying to build a “Taj Mahal” hotel at a state park.

The state is seeking to build a 350-room hotel and conference center on the beach at Gulf State Park.

Republished with permission of The Associated Press.