Stockton ? Plans for a new airport in northwest Kansas are moving ahead despite some conflict with a proposed wind farm.

The Rooks County Commission voted Tuesday to establish zoning regulations for the airport about five miles south of Stockton. A 5,000-foot runway will replace grass runways used in Stockton and Plainville.

Some Rooks County residents objected to the runway because it would force a proposed wind farm to build turbines on the west side of Rooks State Lake.

The Hays Daily News reports that commissioners said in a news release that the proposed $4 million airport would bring long-term economic benefits to the county.

Rooks County Economic Development Director Roger Hrabe says construction on the airport could start this month. It’s expected to open by late next year.