It is my understanding that the county has say as to whether or not a range is built. That part of it is still up in the air but I think there is overwhelming response to build one after they have shutdown a couple of the gravel pits recently.
Don't expect a "Gravel Pit" type facility.
County Executive Aaron Reardon pledged that public and private investment would one day make the county range “one of the premier outdoor shooting facilities in the nation.”
“I have always supported this project and am pleased to see it finally moving forward,” Reardon said in a prepared statement. “This project has been discussed for more than 20 years and will provide a safe location for shooting enthusiasts and hobbyists to meet.”
The county has been working to improve and promote outdoor recreation along the U.S. 2 corridor in cooperation with the state DNR, state Parks Commission and the Sky Valley Chamber of Commerce, as well as the cities of Sultan and Gold Bar.
For now, the county budget sets aside no money for the range. A six-year parks budget calls for $650,000 to develop the project.
This "facility" will more likely be something like the Kenmore or Plantation ranges with covered shooting positions and NRA type rules. NO draw from holster. Only one round loaded at a time in rifles (including AR's and AK's), No rapid fire, and under Rangemaster control at all times. Expect fees in the $10-$20 range for Snohomish County residents and more for non-residents (based on the Whatcom County Plantation Range fees).
For those who compete in any shooting sport, it will most likely attract some "noteworthy" events. For the "pit shooter", it will be a disappointment.
For now, don't expect anything soon. First the hearings. Then the Environmental Impact Statement. Expect challenges from not only the Nudists but every environmental "moon-bat" this side of the International Date Line. After all THOSE challenges are overcome then it gets down to money. The County is about the cost of one "Big Mac" from being broke due to the current economic state. Don't expect any money to be allocated to the budget for this project. There are funds available from a State "range" fund and the NRA will provide lots of design assistance but the actual construction won't be funded until the rest of the "social priorities" are taken care of first.
