Yuma, Arizona (KYMA, KECY) – The city of Yuma’s plan to annex approximately 12 square miles adjacent to the San Luis city boundary could spark a legal battle.

It all began in 2020, when the mayors of both San Luis and Yuma signed an agreement allowing Yuma to annex all or any land east of Avenue A and half a mile north of the international border.

And San Luis can annex land west of Avenue A, half a mile north of the border.

But at a San Luis city council meeting Wednesday night, Mayor Nieves Riedel said Southwest Gas, the sole taxpayer on the land, withdrew its signature from the annexation agreement between the cities.

After Riedel sent the letter to the gas company, “This creates a clear image that Southwest Gas discriminates against majority-minority communities. It also threatens the future growth and development of the city of San Luis.” I ask Southwest, Gus will reconsider and withdraw his signature.”

We have reached out to the City of Yuma regarding this matter, but have not received any comment at this time.

The city of Yuma plans to use this land as a safety barrier around a new spaceport project. The land is located just east of San Luis on a property near the border and right next to the Arizona State Penitentiary complex.

The Barrierland area intended for annexation extends from Avenue A East to Avenue 4E and from the northern boundary to County 24th Street and is owned by the United States.

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