KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — An estimated $19 million expansion at Kearney Regional Medical Center could begin as early as this summer.

The proposed expansion includes two single-story patient wing additions, a maintenance building, a helicopter pad and an expanded intensive-care unit with an emergency room and ambulance garage.

All of the additions would be built south of the existing hospital.

Les Mock, an architect at WDM Architects in Wichita, Kansas, says the expansion would be built in phases with an estimated completion in 2016.

The Kearney Planning Commission recommended approval of the development plans Friday. The plans must first be approved by the Kearney City Council.