Pukwana, South Dakota wants to give you a free plot of land to build your next home.
Mike Lauritsen, executive director of the Lake Francis Case Economic Development Corporation said it’s about growing the community.
“Like a lot of communities across South Dakota, we have a worker shortage, and we have a housing shortage," Lauritsen said. "The City Council of the Town of Pukwana decided to make an out-of-the-box idea to offer free lots to see if they can get some homes built and some new people into their community.”
Lauritsen said there are jobs in the area, but not workers.
“We’ve got over 40 jobs between our three largest employers here in Chamberlain that offer pay between $30,000 and $120,000 with full benefits," Lauritsen said "I always think of that and think, ‘you know, that’s enough for a small family to move here and start a life.'”
Around 230 people currently live in the community. Still, the lots could go fast.
“There are four lots and they’re 50x100, but they (can) combine them, so if you combine two of them, we’re down to two lots," Lauritsen said. "It’s been pretty amazing to be a part of a community where you really start to get to know everybody. I know my daughters wrestling coach, we went to church with what was going to be her first grade teacher. I say it’s like a Hallmark movie here. Everybody waves to each other, and everybody’s friendly.”
Lauritsen says 13 families have expressed interest in the lots, and one organization has formally submitted plans for an apartment complex in the town.
For more information and to apply for a free housing lot, visit the Lake Francis Case Economic Development website at www.lakefranciscase.org