NEW ULM – The long-overdue improvements to New Ulm’s trap shooting building are coming into range.

The New Ulm City Council approved a professional service contract with RW Carlstrom for the New Ulm Trap Range building project. The cost estimate for the service is estimated at $235,000.

In August, New Ulm City Council accepted a Large Shooting Rang grant from Minnesota DNR for $100,000 that will be used to replace the Trap Range Building at 214 N. 21st Street. This grant does require a local matching fund, which was funded through a combination of donations from Sioux Valley Gun Club and funding from New Ulm Park and Recreation.

The current Trap Range Building is over 50 years old, having been constructed in 1972 and 1973. It has aged beyond repair and is undersized compared to the recent growth in the use of the trap and skeet range.

In recent years, the trap range has seen an increase in usage among youth. All three New Ulm High Schools have trapshooting teams. There are other youth groups who utilize the range outside of the school year. The updates would be designed to meet the needs of the next generation.

As part of the contract RW Carlstrom’s services will include assisting with finalizing the building design elements, administering the public bidding process, coordinating the labor and providing limited construction phase management through the project closeout.

Councilor Tom Schmitz said he strongly supported the project and appreciated the grant funding involved. He made the motion to approve the contract with RW Carlstrom. The motion was seconded by Councilor Larry Mack and approved by the council.