JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Marksmanship Education Range (JMER) approached the Stutsman County Commission on a potential lease agreement to build a gun range in the county.

Roughly 5 years ago, the JMER spent months seeking possible land to build a gun range. Operating as a non-profit, the board’s search for land ultimately ended with no possible suitor.

On Tuesday, JMER President Keith Domke approached the Stutsman County Commission about a possible lease agreement for the 27.9 acres of land on the east side of the reservoir.

Domke added the plan would use the acres to build an indoor recreational shooting and education facility on around 36,000 square feet of land just south of the ND Game & Fish Department office.

Domke says the project would not affect any of the amenities in the area including the walking path and landscaping. The building would be paid for with mostly donations and funding through the Game & Fish Department, which are used to build shooting ranges.

There’s no current cost estimate, but Domke says it could be upwards of $3 million based on similar projects.

Chairman Mark Klose stated they would like to know an estimate, which would be needed before the project would be able to move forward.

The group would also request the Park Board extend the gravel road around 1,000 feet and asks they be responsible for maintaining the road including snow removal. The JMER would build and maintain building facilities and control all access to the building.

Commissioner Ramone Gumke added he believed the project was doable, pending some further study.

No motion was made on the lease, but the commission recommended Park Board Superintendent Karl Burgh work with the group to further plan the project.

If you have questions on the project, you can contact Keith Domke at 701-320-6983 or email keith.domke@gmail.com.