Iron County approves plans for practical shooting range and Belt Route alignment

The Iron County Commission convened on April 14, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including funding for athletic facilities and the potential establishment of a practical shooting range.

The meeting began with a discussion on a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Iron County School District and Southern Utah University (SU) regarding shared use of athletic facilities. Doug Wilson highlighted the collaborative efforts between the university and local high schools, emphasizing the mutual support during events, such as snow games. The commission unanimously approved a motion to allocate funding from the transit room tax and restaurant tax to support SU athletic facility projects aimed at enhancing sport tourism.

Next, the commission considered a proposal for a practical shooting range on county-owned property, presented by Patrick Brower of Iron Mountain Training Group. Brower explained the growing popularity of practical shooting as a sport and its potential to attract tourism and economic opportunities to Iron County. He outlined the benefits of establishing a dedicated range, including improved safety and the ability to host larger events. The commission engaged in a detailed discussion about the necessary improvements to the site, including road access and safety measures. Ultimately, the commission voted to begin the process of establishing the shooting range, with plans for further discussions on management and operational responsibilities.

The meeting concluded with a review of the Cedar Valley Belt Route alignment plan. Rich provided an overview of the proposed alignment, which aims to streamline traffic flow and minimize property impact. The commission discussed the importance of finalizing the alignment to facilitate property acquisitions along the route. After thorough deliberation, the commission agreed to adopt the alignment plan, allowing for minor engineering adjustments as needed.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the commission's commitment to enhancing community resources through collaborative partnerships and strategic planning for future developments. The next steps will involve further discussions on the shooting range management and the implementation of the Belt Route alignment.