Ellsworth Authority Easement Hailed as Big Step

BOX ELDER, S.D. (AP) - The South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority has taken a step toward removing about 250 homes, businesses and other properties from hazard zones around Ellsworth Air Force Base.

The Rapid City Journal reports Lori and Daniel Ellefson have agreed to sell to the authority an easement for their property near the base's runway, meaning they eventually will move their child-care business and find a new home.

Properties that are considered susceptible to airplane crashes and high noise levels could count against the base if it is put on another closure list, as it was in 2005. The base survived.

The authority has been working toward removing the 250 properties since 2009. Former Box Elder Mayor Al Dial says the deal with the Ellefsons marks a big moment for that mission.

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