ST. PAUL – State Rep. Dale Lueck, R-Aitkin, urges area shooting clubs to tap into $1.2 million in grant funding available this year to develop and improve firearms ranges.
The grants are available through the Department of Natural Resources and require a match from organizations. September 1 is the deadline to apply.
Since 2014, the DNR has provided over 120 matching grants to over 100 shooting sports organizations. This includes 2015, when the Minnesota Legislature authorized $2 million for matching grants to recreational shooting clubs. The DNR provided grants totaling $675,000 to 20 organizations last year.
“We have a good number of excellent shooting ranges in District 10B,” Lueck said. “This is an opportunity to reduce the cost of upgrading club facilities and expanding shooting opportunities at these great community assets.”
There are two levels of grant funding available, at or below $25,000, and above $25,000. Each has a separate request for proposal form, which can be found by logging on to www.dnr.state.mn.use and entering “2017 shooting range grants” in the search field. More information also can be obtained by calling 612-756-4165 or by emailing at chuck.niska@state.mn.us.
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