The World Shooting and Recreational Complex is open again... at least partially.
Governor Rauner temporarily closed the facility last September because of the ongoing budget standoff.
State Representative Jerry Costello says the complex in Sparta is open for sponsored shooting events only right now after a deal between the Department of Natural Resources and the Amateur Trapshooting Association.
Sparta City Manager Corey Rheinecker says even having the facility only partially open at this point is a big benefit to the region.
"To get these shoots going on and active again brings people from outside the area to Sparta, to Randolph County, to southern Illinois. Obviously, sales come with them. They stay in the hotels. They eat at the restaurants. They purchase at the local vendors."
Rheinecker says the timing of the closure lessened the blow for the City in terms of lost sales tax revenue. But, he's not sure yet of the full impact.
"It takes about 3-4 months for us, once it's collected, to go through the process of the state to issue us the sales tax. It does take a while for us to feel that impact. But, I believe we will feel that impact, yes."
Rheinecker says the Sparta complex will host the ATA Grand American again in August. He says that event alone increases the City's sales tax by about 30-percent.
