The Board of County Supervisors would like to build a shared FBI shooting range somewhere in Nokesville, but Supervisor Wally Covington of the Brentsville District has reservations.
The Board of County Supervisors announced that they would conduct a master plan study concerning the construction of a shared range facility in Prince William to be shared by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Prince William Police.
The FBI offered a budget appropriation of $150,000 to the police department budget to support the study.
Nokesville is currently being considered for the site of the shooting range, but Supervisor Covington cautioned residents that nothing is final and that he is receiving their input.
“I’d like to reiterate that this firing range is a preliminary look. We’re hearing from a lot of citizens out in Nokesville who are concerned about the noise and the road issue out there,” Covington said.
According to the Board of County Supervisors, the existing range at the Public Safety Training Center has not been expanded during the 18 years of its existence. Furthermore, according to the Motion, it no longer has the capacity to meet the needs of the Prince William Police Department, since the range was not designed for rifle use.
The Board considers the FBI an appropriate partner in the venture, since the agency has expressed interest in sharing a facility. It also has a proven track record of collaborating with over 40 localities across the country to fund and build shared facilities. Despite this fact, localities remain responsible for all title improvements.
Supervisor Martin Nohe of the Coles District asked if the Board would look into including the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park in their collaboration as per their request.
Chairman At-large Corey Stewart agreed, saying, “Prince William’s got an excellent relationship with the city and this is another way to facilitate that.”
Covington offered his support for such a partnership, should the range be built.
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