Rep. Dale Lueck, R-Aitkin, urges area shooting clubs to look at applying for a portion of $100,000 in state grants available for improving existing five-stand, pistol, rifle, skeet or trap ranges.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources administers the grant program. The DNR indicated the grants, which require a one-to-one match, are available to shooting clubs allowing members of the public to shoot at reasonable times and for reasonable fees. Small grants up to $25,000 are available and applicants must provide current female participation data and show an intent to improve future diversity opportunities.
"This program is designed to help our shooting ranges stay current with the increased interest and participation by high school skeet and trap teams, women and youth in general," Lueck said in a news release. "Our area shooting ranges provide a great venue for the conduct of hunter-firearms safety training and are great places for families to spend some time as their children learn the basics of firearms safety."
The $100,000 that's available is from a $2 million appropriation the state Legislature made in 2015 to help recreational shooting clubs develop or improve shooting sports facilities for public use, with an emphasis on enhancing participation opportunities for youth. Facilities that received a prior grant, have been paid, and whose contract is closed are eligible to apply for another grant.
The application period runs through Dec. 28. The DNR said it will accept applications past that date, but projects meeting the deadline will receive priority in consideration.
