One of two counties has given the city of Box Elder approval to annex 1,300 acres owned by Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Pennington County commissioners in Rapid City approved the proposal that now goes to Meade County, since the land is in both counties.

Box Elder Mayor Al Dial says the land lies on the eastern part of the base that's mainly residential and the plan is tied to the military's effort to turn over base housing to the private sector.

He says Ellsworth would be able to receive Box Elder police and other services and the city could add to its population, which would help draw more businesses to the area.

The plan goes before the Meade County Commission in Sturgis in June.