Lake Zurich Police to get federal funding for firing range
The Lake Zurich Police Department will finally get its long-desired pistol firing range with help from the federal government.
A grant of roughly $211,000 will help fund the range the department has sought since 2002 after the new police station was built at 200 Mohawk Trail.
The police department has unsuccessfully tried four times to get state and federal grants, including homeland security funds.
In recent years, the department renewed its push to become a regional resource for firearms training by lobbying state and federal legislators.
U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean, a Barrington Democrat representing the 8th Congressional District, confirmed Wednesday funding for the range was included as part of the COPS Technology Program.
"What's great about it is it isn't just for Lake Zurich police," Bean said in a telephone interview from Washington, D.C. "It's going to provide training resources for police all across the area."
Several municipalities, state and federal agencies, including the Illinois State Police, Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group, the FBI, and the IRS's criminal investigations division, backed Lake Zurich's funding bid. They acknowledged the need for a local firearms training facility.
Lake Zurich should receive the funding shortly from the Department of Justice.
"We were thrilled," Police Chief William Urry said. "It's going to save money for the village and police department because, right now, our officers are going up for training just across the border in Wisconsin. With a range like this, we can train more often because it's indoors and close by."
Presently, Lake Zurich officers train at an outdoor range at the Conservation Club of Kenosha County in Bristol, Wis. The department has to pay officers overtime to travel to Wisconsin for training. That also reduces the frequency of training to four times a year.
Urry said agencies could pay less than $100 per officer to use the new Lake Zurich facility, and revenues would go toward yearly range maintenance.
Officials estimate the firing range would cost $315,000 to $375,000. The shell of the range was installed when the new police station was built, and is attached to the police parking garage.
Lake Zurich's range will be computer run and offer more tactical opportunities, such as moving targets.
Village officials plan to take on additional debt up to $355,000 to cover the up-front construction cost. That debt will be paid through savings from refinancing $4.6 million in outstanding debt the village took on to build the police station, said Al Zochowski, the village's finance director.
The range could be ready by early next year.
"Unfortunately, I won't be here to see the end of it because I am retiring," Urry said. "It was one of those things I definitely wanted to see done. I am really pleased the ground work has been set and it is going to be accomplished."