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Howells Woods plans $2.97 million upgrade of shooting ranges


Shooters practice on the rifle range at Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center. Photo courtesy Johnston Community College

From staff reports

Already, 23 law enforcement agencies — one from far-away Asheville — use the rifle and pistol ranges at Howell Woods Environment Learning Center.



With a $2.97 million upgrade, the folks at Johnston Community College figure that number could more than double.

“We are anticipating an increase of more than 50 local and state agencies,” including the State Bureau of Investigation and Alcohol Law Enforcement, JCC said in an email to the Johnstonian News.

The state’s expansion includes $2.97 million specifically for the firing ranges at Howell Woods, which JCC owns and operates.

Most of that money — $2.125 million — would construct a building with a classroom, an armory, secure storage units, a control tower, an office and restrooms. A virtual-reality system for the classroom would cost another $125,000. Also in that phase, JCC would spend $50,000 on lighting for its two firing ranges and its live-fire shoot house.

In a second phase, JCC would spend $205,500 to extend the rifle range to 1,000 yards. Most of that money — $175,500 — would be for security fencing. Also, JCC would spend $100,000 on a 360-degree combat and tactical range, and it would pay $75,000 for a tower at the end of the lengthened rifle range.

Howell Woods opened its 400-yard rifle range in 2002. It can accommodate up to 15 shooters at a time. The pistol range opened in 2007 with room for 12 shooters. It now has room for 20.

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