New York is looking to expand and improve the 86-year-old Republic Airport in East Farmingdale.

At a news conference Monday, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said many airports in the state are outdated and need "fundamental redesign," including Republic. Cuomo described Republic as "outdated and underutilized" and said it has 100 acres that can be put toward improving it.

New York is looking for a new operator to make Republic grow and become more competitive. Some pilots oppose plans for expansion, saying the airport operates completely fine the way it is now. There is also concern the runways are not long enough to accommodate commercial airlines.

The state is also proposing a 10-year tax-free zone to encourage development at Republic.