Fayette County commission approves phase one of shooting-range project with $450,000 estimate

The Fayette County Commission voted to authorize phase one of a proposed county shooting range, approving a contract to design, permit and prepare the site for future construction.

Chris, a project presenter, told commissioners phase one would “get the site designed, permitted, and built,” limited to dirt work including grading, gravel, seating and culverts. He said the construction portion of phase one is estimated at about $450,000, with roughly $145,000 in additional costs for engineering, permitting, geotechnical work and legal services.

Commissioners discussed timing and payment. Jesse, a project representative, said invoices would be submitted as work is performed and that a signed contract would allow the contractor to begin. Commissioners noted a modest local contribution of roughly $67,000 from Senator Baldwin that could be applied at project start and that the county expects to use its 2627 budget for remaining funds.

Without identifying a mover on the record, the commission carried a motion to approve phase one and to allow the commission president to sign the contract once county counsel has reviewed and approved the agreement.

Commissioners asked staff about schedule and oversight: presenters said the dirt work could be completed in roughly three months and that the county could use in-house staff for some construction observation to save money. They also discussed geotechnical testing as necessary to avoid unexpected rock excavation.

The commission took the vote after asking that the contract be revised and returned quickly; presenters said a draft could be provided within days and signed at the next meeting if counsel approves it.

The commission’s action authorizes the county to proceed with the site-preparation phase but does not commit funds beyond the usual contracting and budgetary approvals or approve Phase Two work.