Land around any jet operated airport has to be regulated and monitored to ensure safety.  The Moving Forward with Ellsworth Steering Committee meets time to time to discuss various issues related to the base and surrounding area.  Wednesday the committee met once again and discussed the issue of compatible land use.  South Dakota Ellsworth Development Authority Executive Director Mark Merchen says, "The Ellsworth Development Authority recently purchased some land that could be, that lies outside of this Air Installation Compatible Use Zones to help for developing affordable housing, primarily those in mobile homes that would give them options to relocate."  Merchen says the compatible land use issue associated with any jet operated airport is just like enforcing a school zone to monitor how fast people drive in the area.  He says the land can also be used for safe recreational purposes.

Amanda Weber