Phoenix, Ariz. - A Federal District Court judge today denied the city of Tempe's request for a preliminary injunction to stop work on a repaving project of Sky Harbor International Airport's center runway. This ruling means that any further litigation from Tempe would be moot because the court ruled that there was virtually no chance for the lawsuit to be successful.

"This proves once again that Sky Harbor airport management is following all of the correct rules and procedures when implementing new projects," said Mayor Skip Rimsza. "Tempe should consider showing this same kind of professionalism when dealing with the airport," he said. "I would also like to thank America West Airlines CEO Doug Parker and Southwest Airlines CEO Jim Parker for stepping up and filing very effective legal declarations in support of the project. Their partnership is critical to the economic success of the Valley and their support helped us resolve this situation very quickly." "As an Arizona city attorney, I'm frankly embarrassed that a fellow municipality would spend taxpayer dollars on a lawsuit that has no viable legal grounds," said Phoenix City Attorney Peter Van Haren, who attended today's hearing in Washington, D.C. "This was a shameful misuse of the legal system, and this hearing only confirmed that public statements by Tempe and allegations by their counsel continue to be inaccurate and misleading. No one in the courtroom was surprised by the judge's ruling, and in my opinion, Tempe should reconsider using litigation every time they don't get their way." Tempe was represented by George Williams, the city's aviation expert, and California-based Attorney Barbara Lichman.

Work began on the $60 million repaving project in July, but beginning Jan. 6, the center runway will be closed to replace existing asphalt with concrete. Over-laying the asphalt surface with concrete will require major repairs only every 20 to 30 years, resulting in less money spent on maintenance, less construction-related air emissions and fewer delays for travelers. The project does not add runway length or capacity and is expected to be complete by March, the busiest month of the year for travel in and out of Sky Harbor Airport.

Sky Harbor projects are funded entirely by airport users; no local tax dollars are used. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the fifth busiest airport in the world, providing 24,000 jobs and contributing $20 billion per year to the economy.