![]() |
Brought to you by Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center
Thursday, February 28, 2013
The House Economic Development and Tourism Committee on Wednesday voted 13-2 in support of a bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Steve McMillan of Gulf Shores. According to the Associated Press, the bill would allow money from the 2010 BP oil spill litigations to be used to construct a convention center on 29 acres of the Gulf State Park and a private developer to build an adjacent hotel.
Opponents of the bill say there is too little oversight concerning agreements with private developers. Democratic Rep. Daniel Boman of Sulligent say he is not willing to give control of the most valuable piece of property in the state to so few people.
The AP reports State Tourism Director Lee Sentell described the proposed legislation as a jobs bill and said that Alabama loses about $150 million per year to neighboring states because the Alabama coast lacks convention space.
In August 2012, Sentell said at a state tourism conference that Alabama drew a record 23.6 million visitors in 2011, generating $50 million in lodging taxes and supporting the state’s General Fund budget.
Dental Health is Important for Children's 'Baby Teeth'
Lamb Chops and Red Wine: A Perfect Easter Pairing
Alabama Department of Public Health issues 2016 Fish Consumption
Aquarium animals and plants should never be released in the wild
Keywords: House Economic Development Tourism Committee Rep Steve McMillan Gulf State Park Shores Daniel Boman Director Lee Sentell
Visit Local News
There currently are no approved comments for this blog article. To join the discussion click here.