City of SM Disappointed with Court Ruling on Lawsuit Against the FAA on Santa Monica Airport

A federal judge Thursday dismissed a lawsuit filed by the City of Santa Monica, on grounds that the City filed it about half a century too late. The City had tried to argue it, and not the Federal Government, owned Cloverfield, the City's airport.

U.S. District Judge John F. Walter said city officials said that no only had the City failed to meet any imaginable statue of limitations applicable to Airport ownership, but that the City had not sought relief inthe Court of Federal Claims, prior to seeking damages in the Central District of California.

The City issued a press release describing the City as "disappointed, and said they were studying the 17-page decision to see if they have any other rights or remedies. City Council will receive advice from outside Counsel, at it's next meeting in 2 weeks.

"The court's ruling is being carefully evaluated by the legal team ... and in-house legal staff," said City Attorney Marsha Moutrie. "Of course we are disappointed. But there is likely much work to come; and the attorneys representing the city are already looking forward and focusing our energies on the city's options."

In October, the Counsel decided to sue the federal government for full control of the airport's future.

The Airport is dedicated to the use of Aviation into perpetuity, and only the Federal Government could decide to change the Airport's use. Local residents have formed a group, CRAAP, seeking to have the airport converted into a park. Congressman Henry Waxman had decided recently to side with them, after a fatality crash at the airport last year. But with the Waxman's retirement, it is uncertain whether this position will gain traction in Congress