Blackwater wins court battle against San Diego

June 18, 2008
Judge says California Blackwater facility may remain open

SAN DIEGO -- A federal judge in San Diego has ruled that Blackwater Worldwide's new counterterrorism training facility may remain open.

District Court Judge Marilyn Huff said Tuesday the center near the U.S.-Mexico border may continue operating with its current permits. San Diego officials had sought a more public permit review.

The military security contractor sued because city officials refused to issue final occupancy documents without a vote by the planning commission, after building inspectors had already signed off on the necessary permits. Blackwater accused the city of caving to political pressure.

The facility opened June 5 after Huff ruled that Blackwater would suffer irreparable harm if it could not begin holding classes for Navy sailors.

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