Here’s what’s up…
Because of the gulf oil spill, BP awarded the state of Alabama $94,000,000 specifically for habitat restoration and enhancement. This money is intended for reef programs, oyster bed restoration and enhancements, marine resources, and other causes to directly help and sustain the wildlife of Alabama so future generations will enjoy fishing and hunting.
Who gets the money?
Private developers… Our politicians are handing over $85.5 million and our state park beach to private developers that have lobbied for this. The developers will also have an unfair advantage over existing local businesses because they will have no money invested. Gov Bentley is just giving away our land and money.
http://www.alreporter.com/archives/2013-may/4569-who-will-develop-gulf-state-park.html
What are the other gulf states doing with the habitat restoration and enhancement money they receive?
Florida will spend 90 percent of their BP funds on habitat restoration and enhancement, while hard-hit Louisiana will spend 100 percent of their funds that way, Alabama is spending 8.5 percent on habitat and 90 percent on a convention center located on the last stretch of natural dunes in the state where a resort once stood before 2004 Hurricane Ivan damaged it beyond repair.
The state has plans to lease the area to private developers and give them the $85.5million dollars. This means Alabama will not profit from development, only the private developers will. Alabama will receive a small lease payment that drawfs the $85.5million.
Is it legal to give the money to private developers?
Gov Bentley and state law makers passed legislation in the summer of 2013 giving the Governor permission to use the funds for other means.http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/22062985/alabama-senate-debates-beach-convention-hotel
Bentley said the money to redevelop the lodge is not part of a BP settlement of the State’s lawsuit seeking damages from the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. It’s specifically for wildlife restoration and enhancement.
Unfair to local businesses.
The resort, if built, will be competition to local businesses that have had to invest in their own properties and facilities not handed out as a gift from the state.
Already a huge traffic problem.
Traffic is already grid-locked in season. Yes, grid-locked.http://www.fox10tv.com/news/local/baldwin-county/orange-beach-holiday-traffic-complaints-increase
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores already have first class facilities.
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores already have a couple of convention centers that sit idle out of season, The cities of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have many attractions and amenities including recreation centers with heated pools, tennis facilities, golf, an outdoor sportsplex, many miles of bike trails, charter fishing, a sailing center, shopping, a 10,000 person amphitheater, and much more.
Alabama Gulf State Park Beach most beautiful in the U.S.
Alabama’s Gulf State Park Beach is rated best in US. http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/12/travel/beautiful-beaches-united-states/index.html
Money intended to help Alabama fisherman who are struggling with short seasons.
Fishermen are also struggling with the very short fishing seasons. This affects marina owners, supply shops, and more. http://www.fox10tv.com/news/local/baldwin-county/short-snapper-season-affects-charters
Will make State Park Beach private property.
Right now the state park beach is open to the public, a resort would change that.
Now cast your vote…
Email or call the governor and the beach mayors.
It’s very important to call and email everyday.
Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon email – tkennon@cityoforangebeach.com
City of Orange Beach Mayors office – (251) 981-6977
Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Cratf email – mayor@gulfshoresAL.gov
City of Gulf Shores Mayors office – (251) 968-7422
Governor of Alabama Robert Bentley email form – http://216.226.177.218/forms/contact.aspx
Governor of Alabama Robert Bentley phone – 334.242.7100
Share this with as many people as you can. Call and email everyday.
Sign online petition below to demand our politicians do not build a new convention center with the BP money.
StandupAL.org 