U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., is among four senators pushing a bill that would increase funding for public shooting ranges.
Capito; U.S. Sen. Michael Bennett, D-Colorado; U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark. and U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., reintroduced the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act to the 115th Congress on Thursday, March 9. The bill would encourage states to develop additional shooting ranges by making more funds available to state fish and wildlife agencies through the Pittman-Robertson Act, a federal aid program that is financed by excise taxes on firearms, according to Capito’s office.
Under the act currently, Pittman-Robertson funds can only be used to pay for 75 percent of the costs for states to build and operate public shooting ranges, and states have two years to access the funds. Under the Training Support Act, states would be able to pay 90 percent of costs and states could access funding for five years.
States would be able to use the funds to pay for acquiring land, expanding existing facilities and constructing new public facilities, Capito’s office said.
“As a West Virginian, I know how important shooting sports are to our economy, and to our proud hunting heritage,” said Capito. “I am glad to join with my colleagues to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation that responsibly encourages improved federal, state and local cooperation to create and maintain shooting ranges, and encourage their continued use.”
"Hunting and target shooting are an important part of Colorado's Western heritage and outdoor economy,” Bennet said. "This bill will provide states greater flexibility to develop shooting ranges, and provide sportsmen with more opportunities for target practice and marksmanship training."
"Shooting sports are a huge economic driver in Arkansas and I am pleased to support a common-sense solution that makes it easier for states to encourage these traditions,” Boozman said. “Our bill will improve access to ranges for the thousands of Arkansans who enjoy this type of recreation without increasing federal spending.”
“There are countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in North Dakota, but a growing population has put extra pressure on our public shooting ranges,” said Heitkamp. “That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan bill to expand outdoor recreation for our sportsmen and women.
“Working together at the federal, state, and local levels, we can guarantee that facilities where folks enjoy marksmanship and target practice thrive for generations to come — and this bill would help accomplish that goal.”