Newsletter: My New Bill to Empower Idahoans

Statement

Dear friends,

This week, I introduced a new, common-sense bill to empower the people of Idaho: the Idaho County Shooting Range Land Conveyance Act. This bill would convey approximately 31 acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land to Idaho County for use as a gun range. The gun range would provide accessible firearms training for Idaho County residents, recreational opportunities for families and a convenient training facility for the Idaho County Sheriff's Department.

For years, the Idaho County Commission has been ready to install a gun range in the Riggins Area, but they've been prevented from building it because of cumbersome BLM regulations. Therefore, a legislative solution is necessary. What my bill does is transfer the appropriate BLM land to Idaho County where it will benefit Idahoans, both economically and recreationally.

I've been working on this issue with BLM and the country since 2011. The bill I introduced is a product of several years of communication and teamwork between my office and the most relevant stakeholders. Idaho County Sheriff Doug Giddings said my bill would "have a direct and positive impact on the people of our county." Suzanne Endsley, public affairs officer for the BLM's Coeur d'Alene and Spokane districts, said "we're supportive of the effort."

The Idaho County Commission is ready to manage the parcel of BLM land. In a letter sent to the Idaho delegation on March 25, the County Commissioners noted, "In addressing environmental concerns, thousands of dollars have been spent by the BLM and the location has been found suitable for the described use as a gun range." In addition, the Commissioners have agreed to hold responsibility for all necessary maintenance and operation of the land.

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