Joe Foss Shooting Complex in West Valley plans to reopen next fall

PHOENIX — A partnership between Buckeye and Maricopa County has paved the way for the Joe Foss Shooting Complex to reopen.

An intergovernmental agreement approved Wednesday by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors gives the West Valley city exclusive rights to manage the shooting range for the next 20 years.

Joe Foss Shooting Complex has been closed for public use since early July after a special use permit with a previous operator expired.

“We heard loud and clear: people want this range back open to the public as soon as possible. But look, we had to do it right,” Supervisor Steve Gallardo, whose district encompasses Buckeye, said in a press release. “By choosing the city of Buckeye, we get a long-term agreement with a community partner who has a stake in the complex’s success.”

When will Joe Foss Shooting Complex reopen?

There’s no set opening date for the complex, but Buckeye expects it to reopen next fall. Ongoing remediation work is supposed to be completed by the end of the month.

Buckeye will determine when and how to reopen the range, which opened in 2009 and is located about 10 miles south of Interstate 10 on State Route 85.

The facility will be open for law enforcement training and public use for at least three days per week, likely Fridays through Sundays.

Buckeye will be in charge of maintenance, repairs and other improvement projects. The range has a 50-yard pistol range and a 200-yard rifle range with 40 covered stations that can accommodate up to 80 users.

“The Joe Foss Shooting Range adds another exceptional recreational amenity for our residents while supporting the outdoor adventure goals outlined in our parks and recreation master plan,” Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn said in the release.

“This facility provides a safe and controlled environment for recreational shooters, helping preserve our deserts and ensuring a more responsible use of outdoor spaces.”

Follow @DannyShapiro13