A major roadblock in the Sacramento International Airport expansion plan appears to have been removed.

The Host Airport Hotel, located at the airport, may soon be torn down to make room for a new terminal expansion project.

The county airport system announced Tuesday that it has reached a tentative settlement to buy out the remainder of the hotel's lease. The hotel would continue operating through July 31 and the county would acquire it on Aug. 1. Demolition could begin the next day.

The county was prepared to use eminent domain to force the hotel's hand, but now it appears like the county will not have to resort to such drastic measures.

The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to authorize steps for eminent domain in case the deal falls through.

Officials said the deal will likely be finalized this week or next week.Read more...