Gulf Shores, AL -- Text of Alabama Governor Robert Bentley's statement, via a series of tweets on Twitter, upon signing into law of coastal funding bill, which includes rebuilding of lodge at Gulf State Park:  “About to sign #SB231  which will help more people discover & enjoy Alabama's Gulf Coast. will lead to improvements here at the Gulf State Park including a lodge and meeting facility to attract more visitors. The Alabama Gulf State Park lodge & meeting center will increase tourism, support more jobs & help restore the Coastal economy. #SB231 is not just about the economy. Lodge & meeting facility are part of overall effort to strengthen Gulf Coast & our natural environment, proposed projects are now approved for funding as part of the early restoration from the Deepwater Horizon Explosion and Oil Spill.

Around $58 million allocated to help build lodge & meeting facility & remaining $27 million will be allocated for environmental improvements We’re going to help more people enjoy & appreciate the natural resources we have here on the Gulf Coast particularly at the Gulf State Park.

I know what a treasure we have in the Alabama Gulf Coast. I want to see our Coast restored & share it with more ppl (sic, i.e. “people”). Lodge is still in the conceptual stage, but will be designed as a green building & will follow environmental design guidelines. Our goal is to highlight the natural history of the Gulf Coast and the importance of preserving Gulf Coast habitats. Any profit generated by the new lodge will be put back into the park system and help maintain our Alabama State Parks. This lodge will benefit not only the Coast, but also the entire state.

Other restoration projects announced last week include a living shoreline in Baldwin Co. & an Oyster Reef project in Mobile Co.

It’ll probably be years before we know the full extent of the losses Alabama suffered and will suffer from the oil spill. #SB231 will benefit the Alabama Gulf Coast and our entire state. The Oil Pollution Act and NRDA regulations allow us to address the environmental impact and the loss of use of those resources. It’s important to remember that this is only the early restoration from the spill and that recovery is a long-term process. The assessments are not over and we’ll continue to hold BP accountable for what happened.

The improvements to the Gulf State Park will result in the creation of more jobs and will generate more tourism in Alabama. I want to thank #SB231 sponsors @PittTrippman  & Rep Steve McMillan along with House & Senate leadership & all those who supported the bill. It’s an honor for me to sign this legislation today”