January 28, 2008

U.S. Court of Appeals Lifts Stay on Record of Decision to Relocate Panama City Airport

The Panama City - Bay County International Airport and Industrial District (Airport Authority) announced today that the United States Second Circuit Court of Appeals (Court) has vacated its stay that limited construction for the relocation of the Panama City-Bay County International Airport on property donated by The St. Joe Company JOE.

"We are grateful to the Court for its time, attention and judgment," said Airport Authority Vice Chairman Bill Cramer, who attended the hearing in New York City. "We will now move forward with all due speed to complete this project and deliver its aviation, economic and environmental benefits to Bay County and Northwest Florida."

The order from the Court noted that the four criteria are relevant in considering a stay: "...the likelihood of success on the merits, irreparable harm if a stay is denied, substantial injury to the party opposing the stay if one is issued and the public interest."

The order concluded, "...having reviewed the briefing on appeal and the administrative record before the agency, and having heard oral arguments on the merits on January 23, 2008, we now conclude that these factors balance in favor of the respondents (The FAA and the Airport Authority)."

"We appreciate the fact that the Court expedited this final hearing," Cramer said.

The New York City-based National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Defenders of Wildlife and Friends of PFN (a small group of Bay County, Florida, recreational pilots) initiated the petition for review.

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