SPARTA…Vendors who wish to operate at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta are having struggles with the State of Illinois, according to State Representative David Friess (R-Red Bud).
“The World Shooting and Recreational Complex is the heart and soul of this community. It’s disheartening that the State of Illinois has increasingly become a burden to those who want to operate out of the site,” said Rep. Friess. “The main issue being vendors trying to submit bids to the state are being turned away at a greatly increased rate. The cause of which seems to be recent changes to the bidding process.”
The World Shooting and Recreational Complex is a 1,600-acre facility located in Randolph County. This complex is host to the annual Grand American World Trapshooting Championships, which brings in an estimated $20-30 million in revenue to the local community. Changes to the procurement code made during the 101st General Assembly, have complicated the bidding paperwork required by the Department of Natural Resources. Further delays in awarding bidding contracts will jeopardize the facility and the future of the Grand America Championship. Rep. Friess is moving forward with legislation that would prevent this from happening.
“What this facility brings to our community is too important to let it fall away due to government complications,” Rep. Friess said. “That’s why I will be submitting legislation to exempt the World Shooting and Recreation Complex from the recent changes to the states bidding process. Bureaucratic officials are attempting to squeeze out gun owners, and I will not allow this to stand,” concluded Rep. Friess.