Sen. Somers Testifies on Proposed Griswold Gun Range Legislation

HARTFORD, Conn. – Today State Senator Heather Somers (R-Groton) testified in favor of legislation that would require an open and transparent process regarding the relocation of a new proposed State Police Gun Range and Training Facility.

“There have been numerous proposals to relocate the new Connecticut State Police Gun Range in the town of Griswold,” said Sen. Somers. “While I appreciate the need for our State Police to have an adequate training facility and respect the great work they do within our state, this process has been completely usurped by state agencies, with total disregard for the process. This is unacceptable and one of the major reasons why I pushed so adamantly to have a public hearing for the residents of Griswold.”

House Bill 5304, An Act Concerning the Firearm Training Needs of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, would require The Department of Emergency Services in consultation with the Department of Administrative Services to conduct a study to identify a suitable replacement for the firearms training facility located in Simsbury in order to meet the firearms training needs. This bill will demand that the necessary research and background information is established and verified and a proper and transparent process is implemented before any training facility is forced onto local residents – no matter which town is selected.

“There must be more research conducted, there must be an open and transparent process to properly determine the best location for this new facility, and the residents of the town must have the opportunity to speak about a massive facility coming to their town,” said Sen. Somers. “It’s alarming that the town of Griswold appears to have been selected for this facility without following a candid and open process and with complete disregard for the will of the residents who live there.

“The idea of spending millions of taxpayer money on a new facility without an open process and without the proper research is simply irresponsible. This legislation would require that a process is followed with full transparency with all stakeholders having input so we can find a solution that works for everyone,” said Sen. Somers.