Could free land offer pay off for Rawlins County?

FREE LAND!!!! No kidding. After hearing of similar offers in other places, the three towns of Rawlins County, Kansas are offering to give free residential lots to any individual or family willing to move to the county and build a house.

"We've received a great response," said Arlene Bliss, director of the Rawlins County Economic Development office. "I've received many inquiries and I've sent out 38 packets to all parts of the United States."

The free land campaign, launched in March, has also generated widespread publicity for Atwood, Herndon and McDonald, with newspapers from Wichita, Kansas City and Chicago picking up the story, along with a number of Kansas television stations. "I even had a call from a reporter from France who was visiting the United States," Mrs. Bliss said.

So, how's the free land deal work? It's relatively easy. All that's required is for a prospect to come to one of the three towns, choose an available lot, and agree to build a home. Once that's done, private money will be arranged to buy the lots and make them available at no charge to the newcomers.

The advantage to Atwood, Herndon and McDonald is that the newcomers will help reverse a downward population trend. By 2000, Atwood's population had fallen to 1,279, but the economic development board is striving to change that with their land offer and other economic development incentives.

Constantly working to attract new businesses, the Rawlins County Economic Development board has achieved a good degree of success, attracting seven new businesses in recent years. And that total could soon rise to eight, as Mrs. Bliss is now meeting with another business prospect.

To find out more about Rawlins County and Atwood, you can log on to two different internet web sites: atwoodkansas.com or rawlinscounty.info. Once there, you will find an enthusiastic offer: "If you have a business you would like to relocate, or perhaps you are ready to be your own boss and start a business, we need you in Rawlins."

The communities of Rawlins County also make an appeal to retirees, saying the relaxed atmosphere of small towns makes for comfortable and affordable living. "Where else can you enjoy a cup of coffee at the local cafe, and everyone there is your friend?!!!!!"

Who knows? The Rawlins County offer could be the start of a modern homestead movement for middle America. And, even if results are not earth-shaking, the free land offer still sends a very important message: "If you're looking for a home, come to the small towns of Rawlins County. We will not only give you free land, we will welcome you with open arms."