Salem, SD residents hope 'If you build it, they will come' rings true

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Salem, South Dakota, residents and businesses invested their own money to fund a new housing subdivision.

The project aims to help the community recover from two derecho storms that caused significant damage in 2022.

Local leaders raised about $1 million through grants, corporate donations, and contributions from community members.

SALEM, S.D. – In an effort to build new housing that will help this small eastern South Dakota city recover from two weather disasters in the same year, community leaders, local businesses and even individual residents have put up their own money – without any potential financial return – to help make it happen.

The town of about 1,300 people just north of Interstate 90 midway between Sioux Falls and Mitchell is still rebounding from two