Ellsworth tranfers land

(Right) Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, 28th Bomb Wing commander, presents the deed to the 53.32 acres of land formerly used for military housing to Mark Merchen, South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority executive director, during a special event in Box Elder, S.D., April 29, 2011. The land, first purchased by the government in 1957, served families at Ellsworth until the early 1990’s. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Marc I. Lane)

Ellsworth brokers historic land transfer

Published May 3, 2011
By Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The 28th Bomb Wing transferred 53.32 acres of land to the South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority, during a historic event, April 29.

According to Box Elder, S.D. officials, the land gift will be used for commercial and school development in Box Elder.

Col. Jeffrey Taliaferro, 28th BW commander, said the transfer marked a great opportunity to strengthen ties with the local community. This marked the first time Ellsworth Air Force Base has returned land to SDEDA.

"This land transfer is not only a historic occasion, but it serves to build stronger ties with our neighbors," he said. "We are very pleased to return this powerful asset to the community."

The 2010 National Defense Authorization Bill authorized transfer of the Skyway acreage, which has since been cleared, to the South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority

"The Skyway land was acquired in 1957 for the construction of the Wherry Military Family Housing area and was used for that purpose until the houses were disposed of," said Mark Howard, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron asset management flight chief.

Mr. Howard said Wherry housing became obsolete after the construction of military family housing units on Ellsworth. They were torn down between 1992 and 1994. Today, the land exists in excess to the current mission needs of the base.

"We aren't using it anymore, so turning it over is a very responsible option," Mr. Howard said. "Once everything is finalized the Douglas School System may be allotted 20 acres from the Skyway land."