Following a public meeting with officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), various civic leaders, and State Senator Charles Fuschillo, Frank Nocerino, chairman of the Republic Airport Commission believes the airport is now in a position to negotiate with the FAA regarding their insistence that the airport's Taxiway Bravo be relocated to ensure better ground safety.

Chairman Nocerino stated, "A public discussion that aired the pros and cons of such a move was in everyone's interest and underscored the airport's commitment to involve the public and keep the community informed. We see this meeting as a new beginning to a cooperative effort with our neighbors."

Following questions by Nocerino, Tom Felix, from the FAA's Planning and Engineering Division stated that the taxiway should be relocated to a minimum of 300 ft. from the centerline of the runway, in accordance with FAA design standards. He also explained to State Senator Fuschillo, and others attending the session, that this taxiway relocation is part of the FAA's goal to provide standardized Runway Safety Areas to airports nationwide.

In February the FAA sent the airport a communiqué that stated "...we have determined that due to the non-standard separation between Runway 1-19 and current parallel Taxiway 'B', the state should consider undertaking the relocation of Taxiway 'B' in this fiscal year as a first priority." However, Nocerino stated "We withheld any decision on that letter until we received additional clarification from the FAA."

Nocerino continued, "Safety remains the paramount issue for this commission and we will do everything within our power to ensure that this airport operates well within safety regulations as set down by federal and state authorities. Having said that, it must be done with the knowledge of our neighbors, with clear cut instructions from the FAA, and with a clear understanding of what is, and what isn't, being proposed." He further reiterated that the commission will not vote on the relocation of the taxiway without public input on the matter.