Now that much of the road network is in place and the ceremonial groundbreaking has occurred, a whole new level of real groundbreaking is set to begin at the Wyoming State Shooting Complex with the design for an events center moving forward and a key area of the complex ready to start construction. 

To create 28 action shooting bays for events such as 3-gun and pistol competition, the joint powers board approved its biggest expense so far to begin work on what CEO Patrick Giles said will be the most well used part of the complex. 

Board members unanimously approved a $1.44 million contract to Nicholson Contracting for the dirt work to create the bays as well as a road leading through it and to the known distance ranges. 

“This is one of the areas that would be a wow factor,” Giles said during a work session ahead of Thursday’s board meeting.

The board also approved a floor plan of the complex events center, with the next step being to pursue a guaranteed maximum price for the design, which was crafted by the design committee headed by board member Danny Michael. 

He said Thursday the building design still includes wiggle room for changes as more input is gathered, but it accomplishes all of the needed goals.

“We have a lot of things we have to accomplish with the goals of this project,” he said. “I feel strongly this is the building that checks all the boxes we need it to. This is the space that accomplishes all the goals.”

The more than 20,000-square-foot building includes space for a large conference center with a seating capacity of up to 630 using rectangular tables or 424 using round tables. The space can also accommodate indoor air gun or indoor archery, as well as nonshooting events such as banquets, awards ceremonies after a competition, and business retreats.

Beyond that nearly 9,500-square-foot space, the plan is also to have, among other areas,  kitchen space, a classroom, gift shop, and rental and retail safes.