A federal jury on Monday awarded $17.5 million in damages to an Atlanta businessman who claimed the city of Atlanta and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport illegally steered a lucrative indoor advertising contract to a competitor with deep political connections.

The verdict, which came after nearly eight hours of deliberations, called for Billy Corey and his company, Corey Airport Services, to receive $8.5 million in compensatory damages, to be paid in thirds by the city, Clear Channel Outdoor Inc. and businesswoman Barbara Fouch.

The jury also awarded Corey $9 million in punitive damages. Clear Channel was ordered to pay $8.5 million and Fouch $500,000.

The verdict was an embarrassment for Hartsfield-Jackson and City Hall that recalled the political maneuvering and outright corruption that came to symbolize the operation of the airport during the 1980s and 1990s.

The city said it will appeal Monday's verdict.

"The city is disappointed with today's verdict in the litigation involving the 2002 airport advertising procurement," Peter Andrews, Atlanta's acting city attorney, said in a statement. "The city maintains that the process used in the airport advertising procurement was fair and lawful and that all those involved acted with integrity. The city respects the judicial process, but does not believe the verdict is supported by the evidence presented at trial."

Corey charged the city violated his rights and its own bidding rules in awarding the contract to Clear Channel and Fouch, its minority partner, whose business interests at the airport go back to 1981.