Wrangell will upgrade its outdoor shooting range after securing more than $200,000 in federal and state funds to add eight skeet stations and related improvements.

The borough was awarded $204,581 from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Wildlife Conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife Restoration Program for the skeet and shooting ranges improvements, which has an estimated total cost of $227,312 and includes skeet-throwing equipment.

Wrangell will provide a 10% match of $22,731 and agreed to cover any project cost overruns at the borough-owned facility on Ishiyama Drive.

The assembly approved a resolution at its Sept. 9 meeting to accept the grant and to cover the local match from a draw on earnings of the municipal permanent fund.

The project calls for an eight-station skeet range at the outdoor shooting range, with brushing, high- and low-house enclosures, skeet machines, signs and parking improvements.

The facility will be designed to accommodate a future trap range, aiming to expand capacity, extend the range’s lifespan and support hunter safety and education.

Borough Manager Mason Villarma said the grant had been pursued for years but faced processing delays.

“This project was applied for several years ago but was backlogged in processing, so we are excited to finally be receiving the funding,” he said.

The work — scheduled for completion by the end of next year — will include clearing vegetation, constructing the eight-station skeet range (also to serve trap), regrading and capping the lower parking area, installing skeet machines, replacing the lower entry gate, and installing safety, parking and range signs.

Capital Projects Director Amber Al-Haddad said the upgrades will modernize the facility, improve safety and broaden recreational options, including hunter education and youth programs. Construction is planned to begin next summer.

She said the first phase of improvements was completed under a separate project with funding from the National Rifle Association. A base course was laid for the skeet range and parking area, and a new gate was installed.

The second phase, funded by the state and federal grants, will focus on building and outfitting the new range.

Al-Haddad added that the borough is coordinating with the Stikine Sportsmen Association, which received an NRA grant for a trap house.

“Our collaboration with them is crucial, to ensure the layout of the new trap house aligns with our plans for a combined trap and skeet range,” she said.