DANIA BEACH, Fla. -- After a long, contentious battle, Broward County has received federal approval to begin an expansion project at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Airport officials plan to build an 8,000-foot-long runway across U.S. 1 and the Florida East Coast railroad tracks.

Airport managers said extending the short south runway provides a second alternative for aviation traffic that will reduce delays and provide a valuable backup in case of emergency.

"It's going to be able to provide additional capacity and also safety at the airport," said Aviation Director Kent George.

But the plan infuriated some residents of the area.

"For the third year in a row, I get Merry stinking Christmas from the county and FAA instead of what? Joy and peace," said resident Brenda Chalifour.

"They're hurting a lot of people on this runway, and they don't care," said resident Betty Sokol.

George promised that homeowners will receive assistance to soundproof their homes with better windows and doors. But some residents said they live outdoors and feel that the huge price tag could be better spent.

"You're talking about a billion and a half dollars. Think of what that amount of money could do to deal with some of the traffic congestion and other things we've got going on here," said Dania Beach City Commissioner Bob Anton.

For them, the fight is just taking off.

"We will be litigating. We'll be fighting," said resident Irene Lathrop. "They'll have to drag us screaming out of our homes. And I'm serious and I can scream pretty loud."