The FAA issued a final decision Aug. 15 denying an appeal from the city of Santa Monica, California, whose leaders have fought for many years to escape federal grant obligations and close Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO). Tenants, pilots, and advocates including AOPA and the National Business Aviation Association have consistently fought back, most recently securing a ruling from the FAA that reaffirms the city is obligated to keep its 2003 promise to operate the airport until 2023.
Source: aopaFAA rejects Santa Monica appeal