The Kern County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 21 authorized Public Works to advertise bids for the South Shafter Sewer Project and approved a required agreement with the City of Shafter that would transfer ownership, operation and maintenance of the sewer improvements to the city after construction.

Project and funding: Public Works Director Joshua Champlin told the board the project serves unincorporated areas south of the city of Shafter and will address decades of septic failures and elevated groundwater nitrates. The county received award funding from the State Water Resources Control Board (a 2018 award through the state’s small-community wastewater grant program). The award covers construction and household lateral hookup costs; the project was described as 100% funded by the state with no local match for the residential hookups.

Key numbers and schedule: The award was approximately $18 million (awarded in 2018); public works currently estimates total project costs could reach about $24 million pending bid results. The project would serve 354 parcels, including 337 residential hookups that qualify for funded connections. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026 if sufficient funding reconciliation and state approvals are completed; construction completion is targeted for August 2027 with final closeout in February 2028.

Board action and outcome: The board voted to publish the notice to bidders (Public Contract Code section 20392 compliance) and to approve the transfer agreement with the City of Shafter. Both motions passed unanimously.

What residents will pay and maintain: Champlin said the City of Shafter already bills the area for water and will directly bill property owners for sewer service after the city assumes operation; the city will be responsible for ongoing operation and maintenance costs.

Why it matters: Officials said the project will reduce public-health risks tied to septic failures, remove nitrate sources to groundwater, and provide permanent sanitary service paid through state grant funds and subsequent utility billing by the City of Shafter.