By Devyn Lyon, FOX23 News
CATOOSA, Okla. — Tulsa Ports board members voted unanimously on Thursday to authorize a lawsuit against the Town of Inola over industrial development restrictions, including a permit moratorium affecting the proposed aluminum smelter.
The board also approved retaining GableGotwals as legal counsel for litigation related to the proposed smelter.
The authorization allows attorneys to seek declaratory and injunctive relief against town ordinances and actions restricting industrial development at the Port of Inola, which would mean asking a court to determine the parties’ rights and issue an order blocking the challenged restrictions.
The vote authorizes legal action; however, FOX23 has not independently confirmed that the new lawsuit had been filed as of Thursday afternoon.
The meeting agenda listed the potential lawsuit against the town and any necessary town officials.
Residents who attended the meeting expressed frustration with the decision.
Christine Roam with Protect Inola said her concern is the kind of development proposed for the community.
“We are not completely opposed to industrial,” Roam explained. “We want industrial that is going to be complimentary to what is existing there already.”
Roam said the dispute should draw attention beyond Inola.
“I think that every community in Oklahoma needs to recognize that if this can happen to Inola, it can happen to them.”
Another attendee named Carolyn said she lives about two miles south of the proposed site and raises cattle.
She said uncertainty surrounding the project has led her to consider moving.
“I’ve lived there for 45 years,” Carolyn shared. “I’ve been looking for places to move in case this happens. It’s just a shame.”
After the meeting, the port’s legal counsel told FOX23 they do not comment on existing litigation.
FOX23 reached out to Tulsa Ports to ask what message it has for Inola residents and what funding would cover its legal expenses.
Tulsa Ports sent FOX23 the following statement:
“The City of Tulsa-Port Authority is a non-appropriated agency of the State of Oklahoma so public funding is not received for operations and administration, including legal costs. State and Federal appropriations or grants have only been associated with the costs of infrastructure projects.”
After calls to the town went unanswered, FOX23 went to Inola City Hall.
There, FOX23 was told officials had not heard about the lawsuit and would not comment if it were filed.
Who would pay the legal bills remains an unanswered question.
FOX23 has not confirmed whether Inola’s potential defense would be funded through town revenues, insurance or another arrangement.
Tulsa Ports sent FOX23 an additional statement addressing the potential lawsuit:
“Given the ongoing legal proceedings, Tulsa Ports is unable to comment on issues associated with the proposed project.”
