The application process that will help secure funding for the proposed design of a sewer system for northwest Yuma residents has started. The finance application for the proposed sanitary sewer improvement project was approved Monday by the Yuma County Board of Supervisors.

The area known as the Avenue B and C colonia is bounded by 1st and 8th streets and Avenues B and C. All 770 parcels are served by septic tanks.

The chairman of the district was authorized to sign all necessary documents pertaining to a finance application of $300,000 through the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona.

With that being done, there will be no construction or no assessments incurred to residents at all, said Nancy Ngai, community planning coordinator at the Yuma County Department of Development Services. The paperwork is to secure funding so that when the Board of Supervisors gives the OK after the public hearing there will be funds available for the final design, Ngai said.

"We're trying to cover the district costs to pay for the final design," Ngai said. Huitt-Zollars Inc., is designing the sanitary sewer system.

The staff estimates that the final design will cost approximately $1 million.

Also, the board unanimously approved a letter of agreement with the North American Development Bank for a maximum of $200,000 in project development funds for the proposed Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project. "This is like ... applying for a credit card but not deciding to use the credit card," said Supervisor Russell McCloud.

The public hearing for the proposed sanitary sewer improvement project final design will be held Oct. 1st at 6 p.m. at the Aldrich Hall in the Yuma County Department of Development Services. At the meeting, the board will decide whether or not to proceed to the project's final design depending on the public's response.

In other business, the board approved a beer and wine liquor license application for Gonzo's Tacna Market at Highway 80 and 2nd Street.

---

Stephanie Sanchez can be reached at ssanchez@yumasun.com or 539-6847.