05-02-2008, 08:21 PM
OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON - Shooting clubs and range operators have until June 30 to apply for federally funded grants that can be used to construct, maintain or expand public shooting-range facilities in Washington state.
<br>The grants, which are coordinated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), are awarded each year through the department's Shooting Range Program. Approximately $50,000 in competitive grants are expected to be awarded this year, with individual awards ranging from $5,000 for small-scale grants to $25,000 for large-scale grants.<br>
<br>The Shooting Range Program, which was established in 2002, supports development of not-for-profit shooting ranges with proceeds from a federal excise tax on archery equipment and firearms. Designed to help eligible shooting ranges pay for construction or other building expenses, the program is managed on a reimbursement basis.<br>
<br>Successful applicants are required to pay for construction and materials and are then reimbursed for up to 75 percent of the cost. The remaining 25 percent requires local matching money.<br>
<br>Annual grant funding through the shooting range program helps WDFW meet its goal of supporting recreational shooting in a safe and educational environment, said Mik Mikitik, WDFW hunter education coordinator.<br>
<br>"More than 165 shooting ranges located throughout Washington offer a safe environment for hunters and recreational shooters to hone their skills," Mikitik said. "Funding from the program helps operators improve their facilities and provide safe, accessible shooting opportunities."<br>
<br>Applicants must complete a detailed applications packet, including information on public range use, an environmental review, program narrative, user fees and charges.<br>
<br>Successful applicants will be notified in August on whether their application will receive a grant award. Information and applications for the grants are available through the WDFW website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/enf/huntered/shootingranges.htm, or by contacting the Hunter Education program at (360) 902-8111,or huntered@dfw.wa.gov.
<br>The grants, which are coordinated by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), are awarded each year through the department's Shooting Range Program. Approximately $50,000 in competitive grants are expected to be awarded this year, with individual awards ranging from $5,000 for small-scale grants to $25,000 for large-scale grants.<br>
<br>The Shooting Range Program, which was established in 2002, supports development of not-for-profit shooting ranges with proceeds from a federal excise tax on archery equipment and firearms. Designed to help eligible shooting ranges pay for construction or other building expenses, the program is managed on a reimbursement basis.<br>
<br>Successful applicants are required to pay for construction and materials and are then reimbursed for up to 75 percent of the cost. The remaining 25 percent requires local matching money.<br>
<br>Annual grant funding through the shooting range program helps WDFW meet its goal of supporting recreational shooting in a safe and educational environment, said Mik Mikitik, WDFW hunter education coordinator.<br>
<br>"More than 165 shooting ranges located throughout Washington offer a safe environment for hunters and recreational shooters to hone their skills," Mikitik said. "Funding from the program helps operators improve their facilities and provide safe, accessible shooting opportunities."<br>
<br>Applicants must complete a detailed applications packet, including information on public range use, an environmental review, program narrative, user fees and charges.<br>
<br>Successful applicants will be notified in August on whether their application will receive a grant award. Information and applications for the grants are available through the WDFW website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/enf/huntered/shootingranges.htm, or by contacting the Hunter Education program at (360) 902-8111,or huntered@dfw.wa.gov.