The heated and protracted debate over whether to increase regulations on outdoor shooting ranges in the Mat-Su Borough ended with Borough Mayor Vern Halter vetoing the Assembly’s vote to reconsider an ordinance that passed last month.
The majority of assembly members voted to reconsider the ordinance which many area gun rights advocates adamantly opposed. Contentious public testimonies have warned that the extensive permitting process, which includes filing fees, site plans, civil engineering certifications and environmental stewardship strategies, will likely result in future gun range applications being denied and thereby restricting residents’ ability to train with and use firearms. Opponents also expressed concern about the long-term viability of ranges that are deemed non-compliant with what they see as overly burdensome restrictions.
Others argue that regulations are needed in order to avoid the establishment of shooting ranges near existing residential homes, where they fear noise pollution and stray bullets.
Click the link below to view the ordinance:
