In a unanimous vote Wednesday, the Douglas County Commission approved an amendment to Horizon 2020 that will, in part, protect prime agricultural soil near Lawrence Municipal Airport.

Commissioner Nancy Thellman said the discussion was a good one.

“This is a positive step, and I expect it will continue to be an ongoing discussion in the community,” Thellman said.

Wording in the amendment encourages agricultural businesses to locate near the airport in hopes they will preserve the soil.

Horizon 2020 is the county’s lead development guideline, and while the changes include other projects, the protection of prime agricultural land near the airport headlined the discussions.

County leaders tabled the issue last month after Thellman expressed concern the proposed changes didn’t provide enough protection. The delay also allowed Commissioner Mike Gaughan the opportunity to catch up on the issue.