Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) announced that the Gem City Sportsmen’s Club in Erie County has been awarded a $50,000 grant through the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Shooting Range Improvement Program.

The funding will support the construction of new long-range shooting benches and a pavilion at the club’s facility, enhancing both safety and accessibility for recreational shooters and participants in Hunter-Trapper Education programs.

“This is great news for our local sportsmen and women,” Laughlin said. “This investment will not only improve the shooting experience at Gem City but also enhance access and safety for recreational shooters, sportsmen’s organizations, and educational programs in our region.”

Now in its second year, the Shooting Range Improvement Program is designed to expand access to safe, well-maintained public shooting ranges across Pennsylvania. It’s funded in part through the Pittman-Robertson Act, a federal excise tax program that directs money from the sale of firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment to support wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation.

“I’m proud to support programs like this that strengthen outdoor recreation, promote safe firearm use, and support wildlife conservation efforts in our state,” Laughlin added. “Congratulations to the Gem City Sportsmen’s Club on this well-deserved recognition.”

More information on the program can be found at www.pa.gov/pgc

 

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