Camden County Receives $900,000 for Recreational Shooting Complex

At their February 4, 2020, regular meeting, the Camden County Board of Commissioners acknowledged an amended, executed Intergovernmental Agreement to receive additional funding from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA-DNR). The additional $900,000 in funding will be used to complete the 200-yard rifle range, sidewalks and fencing for the Camden County Recreational Shooting Complex.

“We want to open the shooting complex as soon as possible, but unfortunately construction and weather delays and funding requirements outside of our control have slowed the progress of this project,” said Commission Chairman Jimmy Starline. “We are thankful for GA-DNR’s continued support throughout this process.”

In 2017, Camden County received $750,000 in funding through a Georgia Shooting Range Development Grant provided by GA-DNR through US Fish & Wildlife funding. Camden County has contributed over $260,000 to this project though cash and in-kind service including grading, utilities relocation, and roadway construction.

“More than 600,000 people participate in recreational target shooting in Georgia and they account for more than $532 million in retail sales for our state,” said GA-DNR Wildlife Resources Division Assistant Chief for Game Management Walter Lane. “The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is pleased to partner with Camden County to increase recreational target shooting opportunity in Southeast Georgia and looks forward to the completion of the Camden County Shooting Range.”

A work crew from the Georgia Department of Corrections is providing construction assistance for the training facility/control tower, pistol range shooting pavilion, and other structures. Upon completion, the shooting complex will feature a 25-yard pistol range and a 200-yard rifle range.

“Rain and wet conditions have played a major role in slowing down the progress of this project,” said Deputy County Administrator Shawn Boatright. “We want to ensure the safety of community users of this complex and ensure that all berms are built to required standards.”

Residents will be able to purchase memberships or day passes to utilize the shooting complex. As part of the grant requirements from GA-DNR, Camden County must maintain the property as a public gun range for 20 years.