Ga. Southern gets $3.3M for sport shooting center

Associated Press

Georgia Southern University is building a new venue dedicated to archery and gun sports.

Campus officials said Tuesday the Statesboro complex will be constructed with a $3.3 million federal grant obtained by the state Department of Natural Resources as well as with a mix of private and corporate donations.

University President Brooks Keel says the venue should have a "far-reaching" economic impact by not only holding shooting competitions but also giving competitive marksmen a place to train. Campus officials also plan to open the center's indoor shooting and archery ranges to students and the surrounding community for instruction and target practice.

University administrators say the grant money should allow the shooting center to move swiftly toward construction. The project is scheduled for completion by August next year.