A Moore County Superior Court judge ruled Monday that Moore County Airport Authority is not subject to regulation by the village of Whispering Pines.

The lawsuit, filed by the airport authority in July, asked the court to make a determination on whether or not the village had zoning authority over the airport. The airport authority argued that the village did not have any jurisdiction because the authority was designated as an autonomous political body by a state statute in 1993.

The airport authority was concerned that an unresolved dispute could significantly delay its $2 million hangar construction project.

Judge James Webb said in his order that "the Moore County Airport Authority is not subject to the regulation, jurisdiction, or zoning requirements of the Village of Whispering Pines with respect to construction, development, or operations at the Moore County Airport." Moreover, Webb ruled that "the Moore County Airport Authority has the sole and exclusive right and authority to regulate the Moore County Airport, including but not limited to the design, development, construction, and maintenance of aircraft hangars."

Airport attorney Tom Van Camp said Thursday that he hoped the ruling would allow both parties to move on. He also encouraged Whispering Pines residents to contact authority about any concerns they may have about the project.