Lawmakers rewrite Charlotte airport law

The measure deletes a law passed earlier this month that turns control of the airport over to a regional authority. City leaders have sued over that measure. 

At first glance, the new bill given final approval Friday appears to be a win for the city. It makes the airport a department of the city, although it gives the commission control over the airports finances. 

"We have tried to come forward with a bill that would appeal to many of the concerns they (the city) had," Sen. Bob Rucho, R-Mecklenburg, said. 

But members city executives objected, calling it a "mishmash" of local laws. Legislative Democrats also objected, saying they weren't consulted.

"This is a huge scandal with the airport," said Sen. Malcolm Graham, D-Mecklenburg. "Why? Why? It's a simple question that I've been asking my colleagues, Democrat and Republican. Why? In January of this year, the airport was stable." 

The measure passed the state House just after Monday. 

Senators voted 27-14 in favor of the bill. It now becomes law because it is a local bill, which is a type of measure not subject to the governor's signature or veto.