Douglas County commissioners Wednesday night agreed to allow the city to take advantage of $2 million in bonds to finance water and sewer improvements in North Lawrence to Lawrence Municipal Airport.

City leaders have said the extension was needed to help recruit and accommodate potential aviation-oriented businesses, which might want to relocate or expand there.

Because of the county’s 6.1 percent unemployment rate, through the federal stimulus bill the county has authority to allocate $7.8 million in low-interest bonds that can be used to finance public projects, like extending infrastructure to help attract new businesses to the area.

The county can also allocate $11.7 million in low-interest bonds for private development projects aimed at creating or retaining jobs.

Economic development staffers said they have already received several inquiries about potential projects. Commissioners said they want staff members to develop criteria to help them evaluate projects that would be eligible for the bonds.