State Police shooting range upgrade receives funding

EFFINGHAM – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today awarded $1,995,000 to upgrade the shooting range at Illinois State Police District 12 headquarters in Effingham. Capital Development Board (CDB) Executive Director Jan Grimes and Illinois State Police Director Larry Trent made the announcement today at the shooting range.

"This shooting range upgrade will help state troopers and officers from other departments maintain proficiency that is vital to homeland security. This project will also protect the taxpayers’ investment in this facility and create new construction jobs in the region," Gov. Blagojevich said. The existing firing range building, constructed in 1974, will be demolished and replaced with a new range building, range tower and firing range containment structure. The new District 12 range is replacing the existing range which was built 30 years ago and will be used as a model for future range projects.

"We thank Governor Blagojevich for making this firing range project a top priority. When completed, this new facility will be a better neighbor and will allow us to keep our police fully trained for any type of emergency," Grimes said.

"I commend the Governor and Capital Development Board for their continued efforts in making public safety a priority in our state," said Illinois State Police Director Larry G. Trent. "This shooting range upgrade will certainly enhance the quality of training our officers receive, as well as those of other public safety personnel who use the facility."

The Capital Development Board manages the construction, repair and renovation of state facilities across Illinois, including colleges and universities, mental health facilities, veterans’ homes and historic buildings. Capital Development Board projects include the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, new State Emergency Operations Center and the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta.