Metro sues to stop state takeover of Nashville's airport board

Catch up quick: The state has pursued a takeover of the Airport Authority board for several years.

• In 2023, Republicans passed several laws aimed at Nashville, including a takeover of the airport's board. The measure briefly took effect and a new board was appointed by state leaders.
• Metro subsequently sued and regained local control. The city argued that law was illegal because it singled out Nashville.

State of play: In response, the legislature passed a new law this year granting state leaders the power to appoint board members for several airports in Tennessee.

Yes, but: The latest lawsuit claims the new state measure violates a federal law that requires the board of directors to agree to a change in control.

• "Federal law was passed in 2024 to address precisely this situation," Metro legal director Wally Dietz said in a statement.
• "We are asking the court for an injunction blocking the implementation of the state board to avoid chaos at this critical asset Nashvillians rely on."

The latest: The airport board voted unanimously on Wednesday to join the city's lawsuit against the state.