Hearing Set for Tuesday to Challenge Bentley BP Spending

A hearing is set for Tuesday on motions by state officials seeking to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Gov. Robert Bentley’s  spending from the BP settlement.

Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow (D-Red Bay) and State Auditor Jim Zeigler (R) filed suit alleging Bentley is illegally spending BP settlement funds, lacking authority from the state legislature.  They seek a declaratory judgment and injunction.

Lawyers for Bentley and other officials moved to dismiss, saying a state legislator and the state auditor lack legal standing to challenge the spending.

Circuit Judge Greg Griffin will hear both sides at a 9 a.m. hearing in Montgomery County Circuit Court Tuesday.

Bentley spent $1.8 million in BP funds to repair the Governor’s beach house at Gulf Shore.  He is now spending an estimated $35 million in BP funds building a four-star hotel and conference center where the former Gulf State Lodge set in Gulf Shores.

Zeigler said Saturday: “Gov. Bentley is acting as a one-man legislature.  He is both appropriating and spending money that belongs to the state. This needs to stop now.”