March 15, 2023

Rep. Bronko Helps Local Gun Range Gain Temporary State License

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HARTFORD – Rep. Seth Bronko, R-Naugatuck, applauded the issuance of a special license by the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection for the High Rock Shooting Association, which will allow its members to continue using its firearms range in Naugatuck.

The Association was recently issued a “Special Use License” after intervention by Rep. Bronko who contacted the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection on behalf of the Association. High Rock had contacted DEEP for a renewal of an agreement with the state to operate the range in December, but could not reach anyone, according to the Association.

The Association eventually spoke with an employee of DEEP who said the renewal of the agreement was stalled in the upper levels of the state. After not receiving a response, Rep. Bronko contacted DEEP, finding that the renewal may take months to process. That lengthy delay was unacceptable for members of the public and members of the range, which use it on a regular basis.

Members of the Association had requested a renewal of their agreement in a timely fashion, but due to a government delay, it was in jeopardy of losing its ability to operate.

Rep. Bronko told DEEP the situation was unacceptable and needed to be resolved immediately. After communication between Rep. Bronko and DEEP, the situation was resolved with the issuance of a special use license.

“Helping a well-established organization such as High Rock is part of the reason I decided to run for office. The Association should not have had to deal with this time delay – or worry about temporarily closing – but I appreciate the response from DEEP in working with us to resolve the issue,” Rep. Bronko said. “The issuance of a permit is a temporary solution that will allow for the Association’s continuing operation, but I’m hopeful that a longer-term deal can be worked out.”

Future land use agreements would entail converting a “concession agreement” between the Association and DEEP into a lease, according to DEEP correspondence.

A recent story about the situation can be found here.

Rep. Bronko can be contacted at Seth.Bronko@housegop.ct.gov or (800) 842-1423 with any questions or concerns related to state government. You can also follow his legislative activity by visiting his website, www.cthousegop.com/Bronko or on Facebook.