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RELOCATION UPDATE
The due diligence efforts continue on the Sparta, IL site. While a
number of issues have been resolved to the Executive Committee’s
satisfaction, there are still items pending. These items are presented
in no particular order and hopefully will be resolved shortly.
Gun Laws
The requirement that a non-resident hold a hunting license to purchase
ammunition has been removed. The Illinois legislature voted heavily in
favor of this change, which exhibits their intention to accommodate us
when possible.
The 24-hour waiting period to purchase a shotgun remains in place but
it is our understanding that we may fall under a gun show statute that
would eliminate this requirement. We continue to investigate this
potential restriction but if the 24-hour wait is required we don’t view
it as a reason not to go forward with the Illinois site.
There are some questions as to transportation and the care and custody
of firearms. We are requesting interpretations and will advise you of
our findings in future communications.
There is some concern about the potential for gun related legislation
which might affect future operations. Illinois laws are heavily
influenced by the Cook County area and their reputation is heavily
biased against guns. Conversely, much of Illinois is rural and
sportsman friendly. This is the classic struggle of urban versus rural
philosophy and the outcome is unpredictable.
Property Ownership
The boundary lines of the site have been finalized with Peabody Coal.
Total acreage is about 1250 with over 3 miles of frontage on the
northern boundary, which can accommodate 160 fields with 100 centers.
The southern boundary is an irregular shape, which provides depth from
2500 to 4500 feet depending on where you are on the property. The
western end of the site provides the greatest amount of depth and will
accommodate a sporting clays course very nicely.
Part of the property is being purchased with Illinois Open Land Trust
funds. Use of these funds requires a lease to own provision with the
occupant and a requirement that the land must remain as open space
during the lease term and after title passes to the occupant. We are
working with the Illinois DNR to minimize the amount of acreage
involved and it is our intent to designate the safety zone in front of
the fields as the “open land”. Since this is a lease to own
transaction and the amount of land under restriction would be small in
relation to total acreage, we don’t view this as a reason not to go forward.
Site Specific Issues
We have had two civil engineering firms visit the site and put together
preliminary cost estimates based on parameters provided by ATA.
Parameters provided include replication of our existing facility while
enhancing camping, parking and the number of shooting fields.
The “ball park” cost is around $15 million dollars. As with any
estimate, savings can be made through value engineering and
substitution of lower cost methods and material that won’t impact
shooter enjoyment or facility operations. No matter how you look at
this project, it isn’t going to be cheap.
The engineers have identified infrastructure needs including water,
sewer and access roads which we are negotiating with local and state
authorities to provide them.
The topography of the site is such that an estimated additional 1.5
million dollars will be required in site work over what it would cost
if the land was totally flat. This same condition could exist at other
sites depending on their topography.
Due Diligence Process
Since there are issues with varying degrees of severity at the Illinois
site we thought it prudent to begin due diligence on the Amarillo
site. Time continues to slip by and we don’t want to be caught “flat
footed” if due diligence on Illinois fails.
Fund Raising Process
Past President Bradford has advised us that we first need to settle on
a site before we try to raise money. Once a site is finalized, the
engineers can more accurately forecast the cost and we can determine
the amount that needs to be raised. With that amount in mind we will
commission a feasibility study to determine the probability of raising the
required amount.
We have had numerous inquiries about the presale of campsites. This
will certainly be a source of funds but we are not ready at this time
to begin the process.
Other sources of funds will be commemoration and memorializing of
various building and fields for individuals or groups as well as general giving.
I
hope this has given you some insight as to where we are and where we
need to go. If you have any
questions, feel free to contact your
respective Vice-President or the Executive Director.
Source: ATA
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