More than 100 jobs are expected to be created once construction on the new federal courthouse begins, but that's just the start of many other projects planned for the area. An empty lot sitting near downtown Yuma will soon become the construction site and location of a new federal courthouse.

With the number of court cases rising in the existing Yuma federal courthouse, city officials said plans for a new one are long overdue. Greg Hyland, director of communication and public affairs with the city of Yuma, said, "They're double-bunked. A lot of the courthouses around here in yuma have had a need for a federal courthouse for several years."

Congressman Raul Grijalva announced Monday 28 million dollars in stimulus money will be used to build the new facility. He said the project will be, "Another in a long line of recovery act projects that will help the economy get back on its feet."

Hyland said this should also bring jobs to Yuma. Hyland said, "Through the construction phase alone, I'm guessing it's going to bring hundreds of local jobs to local contractors." Hyland said, "In addition to the federal courthouse, other sites will host condominium townhomes and apartments for shopkeepers, attorneys, and other downtown employees."

City officials said bringing more downtown housing units will attract essential businesses, like restaurants, to make the area a main center point in Yuma's economy. Hyland said, "It will be kind of a catalyst to keep the riverfront going and maybe even kick it into the next gear."

Construction on the new federal courthouse is set to begin later this year.