MIAMI (AP) - Pretrial motions are beginning in a lawsuit challenging a financing plan for a new Florida Marlins ballpark and other public projects.

Auto dealer and philanthropist Norman Braman claims in the lawsuit that a proposed financing plan is unconstitutional. The $3 billion plan includes the new Marlins ballpark at the site of the old Orange Bowl, a tunnel to the Port of Miami and other projects.

Monday and Tuesday were scheduled to be filled with pretrial motions, and the case is set to start Wednesday.

Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jeri Beth Cohen said last week she would also reconsider whether the Marlins must produce detailed financial information for the case. Cohen got the case last week when another judged stepped aside because of a conflict.

The Marlins hope to begin playing at the new 37,000-seat stadium in 2011.


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