On December 19, 2008, the FAA issued a Record of Decision authorizing airfield expansion at the Ft. Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport.  The most significant improvement would be extension of Runway 9R/27L from 5,300 feet to 8,000 feet and construction of Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS) at both runway ends.  The FAA determined that the project will have significant noise and wetlands impacts and ordered mitigation of these impacts.  The FAA rejected the airport sponsor’s proposed action, which contained the same capital improvements but also would have involved operational noise abatement measures.  Neighboring communities have stated their intent to appeal the FAA’s decision.