The anticipated price tag for a shooting complex south of Cody is nearing $20 million – with construction expected to begin this spring.
The Wyoming Legislature in 2023 appropriated $10 million to build what backers called a “world class” shooting complex.
That included $2.5 million from the Wyoming Office of Tourism, $2.5 million from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and $5 million from the state’s general fund.
Several municipalities competed to have the complex built in their communities, and Cody was announced as the winner last summer.
More Money Coming
During discussion on the House floor on Monday, Rep. Abby Angelos, R-Gillette, said that the Legislature’s Joint Appropriations Committee agreed to add another $3 million from the Office of Tourism’s reserve and project account and $500,000 more from Game and Fish.
On top of that, Park County has agreed to pitch in another $6 million, she said.
The state-associated shooting complex funds are included in the Legislature’s budget bill.
No action was taken on the matter Monday.
Why Now?
Other legislators questioned the timing and need for the additional funding during a supplemental budget session.
“I’ve heard repeatedly that we’re dealing with (budget) emergencies only,” said Rep. Karlee Provenza, D-Laramie.
Rep. Art Washut, R-Casper, said that it’s important for the complex to be self-sufficient, rather than relying on state funds.
“I thought this was supposed to be self-sufficient. The users would pay for it,” he said. “Is this thing going to be $10 million, $11 million, $12 million? How much is going to be left over for operations and maintenance?”
He also pushed back on Provenza’s statement that the session was for only for emergencies.
“There’s nowhere in the green book that says the supplemental budget is for emergencies only,” he said.
Rep. Robert Wharff, R-Evanston, noted that hunters and anglers pay federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, fishing tackle and other items.
That money is supposed to be earmarked to “promote the shooting sports and hunter safety,” he said, so he questioned why those funds aren’t being used for the shooting complex.
Angelos said that the Game and Fish’s share of the money comes from those federal excise tax funds.
‘We’re Ready To Roll’
Washut has been an advocate for the shooting complex from the beginning.
He said the funding needs to be appropriated now, because construction is set to begin as soon as possible.
“We’re ready to roll,” he said.
He added that over time, the shooting complex is expected to become fully self-sufficient, and likely to start turning a profit.
The complex is being built with the idea that it will attract top-tier national and international shooting competitions, and therefore millions of tourism dollars.
The complex will be managed by a local Joint Powers Board and won’t staffed with state employees, Angelos said.
Mark Heinz can be reached at mark@cowboystatedaily.com.
