Mon Sep 09 14:30:00 UTC 2024: ## New Law Makes Building Public Shooting Ranges Easier
**Washington, D.C. -** A new law, the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act, is making it easier for states to build and improve public shooting ranges. The legislation, championed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), has significantly changed the formula for accessing federal funds for range projects.
Previously, states had to contribute 25% of the funding for a range construction project to access a matching 75% from the Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund. The new law has reduced the state’s contribution to a mere 10%, unlocking a 90% match. This change, along with an extended timeframe for using the federal funds from two years to five years, provides states with more flexibility and resources to build new and improve existing ranges.
The Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund, established in 1937, is funded by excise taxes paid by firearm and ammunition manufacturers. These funds, totaling over $25 billion (adjusted for inflation) have been crucial for supporting wildlife conservation, public shooting range development, and hunter education across the country.
The need for public shooting ranges is growing rapidly, particularly in urban and suburban areas, as more people take up recreational target shooting. This trend is fueled by a surge in firearm purchases in recent years, with over 22 million new gun owners in America since 2020.
“There’s a massive amount of justification to building shooting ranges right now,” said Jim Curcuruto, executive director of Outdoor Stewards of Conservation. “NSSF research shows an explosion in target shooting participation, with a 56% increase between 2012 and 2022.”
The new law and the increased demand for ranges are welcomed by experts like Rob Southwick, President of Southwick Associates. He emphasizes the importance of building accessible ranges, particularly in suburban and urban areas, to ensure continued participation in the shooting sports. Research shows that people are less likely to participate if they have to travel more than 30 minutes to reach a range.
The increased availability of public shooting ranges offers numerous benefits. It provides safe and accessible locations for recreational shooters, promoting safe and responsible gun ownership. This not only benefits individuals but also contributes to safer communities.
The law’s impact on public shooting range development is expected to be significant, creating a win-win scenario for both recreational shooters and wildlife conservation.
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