Gulf Shores Convention Center Talks Continue

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley says building a first-class beachfront hotel and conference center in Gulf Shores is one of his top priorities. The governor is in talks with state and local issues about the project that could re-shape Gulf Shores and make it a top convention destination in the Southeast.

The project would be built at the site of the old Gulf State Park hotel and lodge on Beach Boulevard. The old lodge was torn down after Hurricane Ivan destroyed the facility.

Local leaders say they're tired of losing lucrative convention business to destination cities like New Orleans and Orlando. They believe if the four-star hotel and conference center is built here, it could be a major financial draw, especially in the off-season.

Governor Bentley says he wants the convention center built while he's still in office. Former Governor Bob Riley seriously looked at building the facility but the project got tied up in legal red tape. The concern? Whether a private company can build a convention center on state land.