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FAA Rules Santa Monica Must Keep Airport Open

An FAA ruling released this week prevents the city from shutting down Santa Monica Airport. Pia Bergqvist
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Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA has ruled that Santa Monica Airport (SMO) must remain open through 2023, denying city officials' attempts to close it.
  • This decision is based on the city's acceptance of federal grant money, with the FAA asserting that a 2003 grant extended the operational obligation for 20 years.
  • Santa Monica disputes the FAA's interpretation of the grant's terms and plans to continue its appeals in the federal court system.
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The FAA has ruled that the city of Santa Monica must keep Santa Monica Airport (SMO) open through 2023, dealing a significant blow to officials who want it gone.

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