Judge nixes city’s attempt to annex Nissan plant

CANTON — A federal judge has ruled that the Canton Nissan plant is safe from annexation through 2030.

The Clarion-Ledger reports the city’s lawsuit seeking the right to annex the plant was dismissed Tuesday.

U.S. District Court Judge Carlton Reeves dismissed the suit with prejudice, meaning Canton will not be allowed to file another suit with the same claims.

City attorney Barbara Blackmon said the mayor and Board of Aldermen do not plan to appeal to the 5th Circuit.

Canton officials had alleged the legislation that prohibited the city from annexing the plant for 30 years without the automaker’s written consent violates the equal protection clauses of the U.S. and state constitutions. Reeves ruled that the legislation was not in violation.