During its recent meeting, the Cochise County Board of Supervisors approved a new 25-year lease with the Arizona Department of Corrections (DOC) to continue operating its State Prison Complex in Douglas.

The Cochise County Board approved the new lease between the county and the DOC with the department paying an annual $1 fee for the operation of the prison, which is on county land adjacent to the Bisbee Douglas International Airport. The lease agreement also includes DOC reimbursement to the county for any expenditures involved with improvements made to the airport's water system.

According to the county, the improvements have cost the county approximately $1.65 million, of which 95 percent will be paid by the DOC. The DOC has paid $242,000, with the remaining reimbursement being paid over the next five years. 

Also during the meeting, the board approved liquor licenses for three Dollar General Stores -- at 20 S. Lee St. in St. David; 1323 E. High St. in Sunsites; and at 7156 S. Highway 92 in Hereford.

According to the county, the liquor license applications approved were for series No. 10 or beer and wine store licenses.