Light-rail lawsuit against KC dismissed

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Light-rail advocate Clay Chastain says he'll appeal the dismissal of a lawsuit against Kansas City officials over repeal of a his rail plan for the city.

Jackson County Judge John O'Malley ruled Thursday that supporters of Chastain had no grounds to sue Mayor Mark Funkhauser, most City Council members and the park director and park board.

Voters in November 2006 approved Chastain's plan for a starter light-rail line from the zoo, through downtown and north to near Kansas City International Airport. Last November the City Council said the plan was unworkable and took money away from buses.

Council members overturned the plan and said they would create a new one this year.

Chastain said he "fully expected" the judge's decision and plans to file a notice of appeal next week.

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Information from: The Kansas City Star: http://www.kansascity.com