Fort Pierre Development Corporation Moves Forward On 2026 Housing Project!
By Sunny Hannum
Fort Pierre Development Corporation (FPDC) and the FPDC Housing Committee have been involved in developing a housing project for the community of Fort Pierre since 2020. Their efforts have finally reached fruition in qualifying for a Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) no interest loan for $240K from South Dakota Housing.*
In 2023 FPDC had been approved for a “Housing Infrastructure Financing Program” (HIFP) grant to develop the Stanley Township Project. FPDC was awarded the grant but the City Council failed to pass a request for a Tax Increment Financing District (TIF) for the project which was required before the grant could be received.
Undeterred by the loss of the HIFP grant monies and determined to continue to pursue housing development, FPDC Board of Directors initiated a survey in 2024 with the assistance of the Stanley County Director of Equalization to produce a list of all available residential lots for sale in the City of Fort Pierre. From that list Dave Bonde, FPDC Executive Director, and the FPDC Housing Committee determined the best available building site was a group of lots on 6th Avenue owned by CAM Rentals which had formerly been a trailer court. “What makes these lots feasible for our project is that the lots are level and utilities are in place for each lot,” Bonde said.
The Fort Pierre Development Corporation (FPDC) has identified housing as a major issue in the continued growth of the City. For example, the teacher/administration of the Stanley County School District live primarily in Pierre simply because there is not adequate housing in Fort Pierre. To support the home shortage issue, the FPDC Board of Directors implemented a housing study in 2022 which verified the need for additional housing for single family and multifamily units.
The intent of the FPDC Housing Committee is to reach potential homeowners that would be qualified entry level/first time home buyers. The target cost of $300,000 or less as a selling price for the fully developed, entry level price per unit sold. Governor’s Houses to be placed on sites will be three bedroom, turn-key homes, according to Mike Weisgram, Housing Committee Chairman.
According to existing data from the 2022 Housing Study, the median household income in Fort Pierre was $72,813. Although not verified, it is apparent that income levels have increased (2025), thus a larger percentage of take home wages could be utilized for housing but probably cannot exceed the $300,000 per house level projected for the project.
“Receiving a SDHOF Grant will provide a major incentive toward our goal of adequate housing in our community. We applaud the sincere effort of our Housing Committee for sharing their valuable time and expertise,” Bonde concluded.
FPDC has ordered two, three-bedroom Governor’s Houses to be placed on two of the five lots on 6th Avenue. These houses are projected to be available in 18 months. For anyone wishing to purchase either of these houses, please call Dave Bonde at 605-223-7603. Buyers have to be approved through South Dakota Housing to qualify. FPDC will also offer the remaining lots at the 6th Avenue site for sale to private contractors.
*The South Dakota Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) is designed to promote economic development in South Dakota by expanding the supply of decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing targeted to low and moderate income families and individuals in South Dakota. The HOF was created via Senate Bill 235 the “Building South Dakota Fund” during the 2013 legislative session. As outlined in South Dakota Codified Law 11-13, the HOF is being administered by South Dakota Housing and the SD Housing Board of Commissioners. HOF funds may be used for new construction or the purchase and rehabilitation of rental or homeownership housing, housing preservation, including home repair grants and grants to make homes more accessible to individual with disabilities, homelessness prevention activities, and community land trusts. Any for-profit entity, nonprofit entity, tribal government, housing authority, political subdivision of this state or agency of such subdivision, or agency of this state is eligible to apply for funding.