In a bid to increase the population in the area, officials from Anderson, Alaska, are distributing free land to people if they promise to build a house there. So far more than 40 people have expressed their desire on Monday for a chance to claim one of 26 large lots offered by the town.

The Juneau (Alaska) Empire reported Tuesday that the government however makes it mandatory for people to build a house of at least 1,000 square feet on their plot within two years of obtaining it.

The idea was developed by local high school students as a way to boost the town's population, which stands at 300 people now.

The 1.3-acre lots will be awarded to the first people who apply for them and submit $500 refundable deposits beginning at 9 a.m. Monday. Interested callers are seeking information from all parts of the U.S. including California, Texas, Idaho and Florida.