Aviation International News is reporting that the FAA associate administrator for airports has affirmed an earlier director’s determination that requires the city of Santa Monica, Calif., to keep its airport (SMO) open until 2023.

In a final decision and order, the associate administrator responded to the city’s appeal of the Dec. 4, 2015, director’s determination, which found that the city was obligated by receipt of grant funds to keep the airport open at least until Aug. 27, 2023. The city appealed that determination, and the FAA re-examined the record.
“based on this re-examination,” the final decision and order noted, “the FAA concludes that the director’s determination is supported by a preponderance of reliable, probative and substantial evidence, and is consistent with applicable law, precedent and FAA policy.”