VSP Accepts Nottoway County Offer to Build State-of-the-Art Law Enforcement Firing Range
September 10, 2010 | Virginia News
RICHMOND – Colonel W. Steven Flaherty announced today that the Virginia State Police will be building a multi-agency, state-of-the-art firing range in Nottoway County. The project had originally been slated for construction on land belonging to the Virginia Department of Corrections in Powhatan County.
“The Nottoway County location will be much better suited for the needs of our state police, conservation police, and local law enforcement,” said Secretary of Public Safety Marla Graff Decker. “The Commonwealth received considerable input from the public concerning this project and we especially appreciate the several Powhatan County residents who contacted state police to offer the use of their land for the range. We are pleased that Nottoway County is anxious to host this state-of-the art range that will enhance economic development and growth in their community at the same time that it will better meet the needs of law enforcement.”
The new firing range will share the 687 acres acquired by state police in 2008 for construction of its Law Enforcement Driver Training Track and Facility. The range will feature 20-foot earthen berms surrounding the pistol and rifle firing lanes. To prevent lead contamination from spent rounds, each lane will be equipped with a lead-collection backstop system. All aspects of the range are in compliance with industry standards used by federal and state public safety agencies nationwide.
“An increase in the presence of uniformed personnel is always a welcome sight for Nottoway County and the region,” said Senator L. Louise Lucas of the 18th Senatorial District. “For decades State Police have come to Nottoway County for training purposes and the plans for the firing range speak to the esteemed level of professionalism, accountability and safety that we have come to appreciate from our Troopers.”
The new range site, which is adjacent to Fort Pickett, will be utilized by the state police, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ (DGIF) Conservation Police, Nottoway County Sheriff’s Office, and the police departments of Blackstone, Burkeville and Crewe.
“This project is a win-win for our state and local public safety professionals and area businesses and merchants,” said Delegate Thomas C. Wright Jr. of the 61st House District. “This location provides law enforcement with an opportunity to enhance their training and expertise, as well as patronize the many fine businesses and services the Town of Blackstone and Nottoway County have to offer.”
“Nottoway County is happy to welcome the Virginia State Police firing range to Fort Pickett, Nottoway County,” said Mr. Steve Bowen, Chairman of the Nottoway County Board of Supervisors. “We are proud to support our law enforcement agencies’ training efforts to better protect citizens all over the Commonwealth.”
The range, a Capital Outlay Project, was approved by the General Assembly in 2009. The initial 18 acres of state-owned land near the Deep Meadow Correctional Center will be transferred back to the Virginia Department of Corrections. State police will apply asset forfeiture monies towards financing the project in Nottoway County.
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