A $2.8 billion project that would expand MacArthur Airport and the surrounding area received a key endorsement from the Long Island Regional Planning Council.

The Midway Crossing project would bring a new terminal to the Long Island airport, along with a hotel, convention center, a sports arena and other commercial space.

The Long Island Regional Planning Council voted unanimously Thursday to name it a project of "regional significance," which is expected to raise funds to get it going.

Construction would happen south of the Ronkonkoma train station and at MacArthur Airport.

The new terminal at the airport would be connected to the train station by an 1,800-foot pedestrian walkway.

Currently, the only way to get from the Ronkonkoma LIRR station to MacArthur Airport is an ​eight-minute drive around the perimeter.

Proponents of the project say it would generate billions annually in economic impact, including in tourism money.

"Long Island needs to think big and this is big thinking," say Long Island President and CEO Matthew Cohen "This is a game- changing project that's going to reverberate for generations to come."

Some neighbors, however, don't want to see the Midway Crossing project built and think it will bring too much noise and traffic.

"I don't think that would be a good deal for the neighborhood," says Maryann Cuffie, of Ronkonkoma. "I think it might be a little much for this area."

Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter support the plans, saying it won't burden taxpayers and will provide high-paying jobs and keep young people people on Long Island.

The project could take at least a decade to be completed.