The city of Atlanta has scored a major victory in its ongoing court battle over the billion dollar airport concession bids. The largest and last company to protest the bids has dismissed its legal action.
SSP has fought legal battle after battle with the city all year. The concessionaire's initial bid protest had made its way into the court system. Now, after lengthy settlement talks, it is over.
After months of legal battles and accusations of political cronyism, SSP has dismissed its legal action against the city.
"We knew we were correct. We know that we followed all the rules and today we are vindicated," said Atlanta city attorney Cathy Hampton.
The lawsuit followed a long and controversial bid process that determined what you eat, drink and buy at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Some of the biggest bid winners, who combined picked up more than a billion dollars in potential revenue, were politically connected fundraisers and friends of Mayor Kasim Reed, incuding the mayor's campaign chairman, Daniel Halpern, and Mayor Maynard Jackson's widow, Valerie.
SSP, a large international airport concession company challenged the bids calling them fraudulent and corrupt. A hearing officer ruled in favor of the city, finding no evidence of flaws in the system or that Mayor Reed interfered with the bid process.
SSP appealed their case in Superior Court, but, now months later, have dismissed it. In a written statement, Mayor Reed stated SSP publicly admits "no city elected official or employee acted improperly" and he is glad "to put this distraction behind us"
City Attorney Cathy Hampton says SSP's decision is vindication for the city and a great ending to a tough, year-long fight.
"It is been a long road, but we're glad that we've reached the end. And more importantly we're glad the international terminal opened in May and we've being doing great business as the gateway to the world," said Hampton.
As part of the settlement talks that lead to SSP's decision, the city returned the $272,000 bond SSP had posted when it filed its protest.
SSP attorneys had no comment.
Click the video to watch FOX 5 Senior I-team reporter Dale Russell's story!
Friday, May 24 2013 7:41 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:41:05 GMT
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales.
It's Memorial Day weekend, and you know what that means: hamburgers, pools, and yes-- big-time sales. This weekend marks one of the biggest for sales amongst retailers, and no matter where you shop, there's a good chance they're offering a deal.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:15 AM EDT2013-05-24 10:15:00 GMT
Some of the greatest damage from Hurricane Sandy was to cars from the flooded streets and garages, and some of those automobiles are expected to trickle into the automobile market.
Some of the greatest damage from Hurricane Sandy was to cars from the flooded streets and garages, and some of those automobiles are expected to trickle into the automobile market.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:56 AM EDT2013-05-23 04:56:30 GMT
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
The FOX 5 I-Team has learned that Douglas County District Attorney David McDade is personally asking the GBI to investigate how money is spent in his office.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:42:27 GMT
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
What do major hotel chains, the IRS, and the business partner of a top rapper have in common? Court records show the National Conference of Black Mayors owes all of them money. Big money.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:56 AM EDT2013-05-22 13:56:24 GMT
Americans are known for their pearly whites, but we pay for it—and it isn't cheap.
Americans are known for their pearly whites, but we pay for it—and it isn't cheap. If you have more than one child who needs braces, you have quite an expense on your hands—but FOX 5 I-Team reporter Dana Fowle found some ways to make it a little more manageable.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:12:38 GMT
The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys.
The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys. The FOX 5 I-Team followed along and found the four women didn't even register to attend the conference.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:44 AM EDT2013-05-20 10:44:05 GMT
Maria Boudet is a teen who had been living in foster care. She worked hard and earned a college scholarship. But the scholarship was revoked when Boudet's life-long wish was answered; she was adopted.
Maria Boudet is a teen who had been living in foster care. She worked hard and earned a college scholarship. But the scholarship was revoked when Boudet's life-long wish was answered; she was adopted.
