Judge to hear arguments in airport lawsuit • Charlotte/Douglas International (KCLT), North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C. —

It now appears the next best chance for a resolution of the ongoing dispute over control at Charlotte's airport may rest with a Mecklenburg County judge.

Judge Robert Ervin is scheduled to hear arguments on Oct. 10 in the City of Charlotte's lawsuit against the State of North Carolina. The suit seeks to have the state-appointed Airport Commission declared unconstitutional.

It's the latest step in a dispute that has gone on for nearly two years after Republican legislators began pushing for an independent group to wrest control of airport operations away from the city.

Ervin declined to rule in the case, saying he's waiting for the Federal Aviation Administration to decide who should operate the airport. The FAA has said it's waiting for the court case to be resolved.

This week, Republican Rep. Robert Pittenger received a letter from the FAA admitting it has yet to consider the case.

That seems to contradict statements made by U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, who told the Charlotte Observer that his staff has been "working on" the issue.

But in a letter to Pittenger, the FAA said it "will refrain from evaluating" the dispute until the legal case is resolved.

"They can't seem to make a decision," said Pittenger. "We need leadership. We need a decision."

Pittenger said he believes the FAA is making excuses for avoiding action.

Others are even more critical, laying blame with Foxx. Sen. Bob Rucho, also a Republican, said he believes Foxx, who as Charlotte mayor vehemently opposed the city ceding control of the airport, is intentionally dragging out the process.

"I truly believe that former Mayor Foxx has interceded and asked them (FAA) not to take any action," Rucho said.

The FAA didn't respond to requests for comment.

- Source:   http://www.wsoctv.com