A conservative nonprofit is suing the City of Columbia over a $750,000 payment to American Airlines to support a new daily flight between Columbia Regional Airport and Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Goldwater Institute filed the lawsuit on behalf of two taxpayers, arguing the payment violates the Missouri Constitution’s ban on using public funds for private corporations.
City leaders approved the incentive using transportation sales tax revenue, while private businesses pledged another $750,000, bringing total support for the route to $1.5 million.
The lawsuit seeks to halt the city’s payment and block similar agreements in the future.