May 1st, 2026
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Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Provides $10 Million Challenge Grant for WSSC
The Board of Directors of the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has approved a $10 million challenge grant for development of the new Wyoming State Shooting Complex (WSSC) in Cody, Wyoming. This marks a major milestone in the CMP’s strategic “Western Expansion”, establishing a permanent footprint to serve marksmanship enthusiasts west of the Mississippi River.
The new WSSC is now under development on 2,000 acres of state-contributed land located just seven miles south of downtown Cody. Positioned near Yellowstone National Park, the complex will become a premiere shooting sports destination, with purpose-built venues for elite competitors, recreational shooters, and youth programs.
The $10 million grant is structured as a matching initiative for three years. Under the agreement, the CMP will match new private and industry WSSC donations dollar-for-dollar, up to $10 million total.
Construction Is Underway with State Governmental Approval
The WSSC project has earned full support from the Wyoming Legislature and Governor, and it is governed by a Joint Powers Board representing city and county leadership. Construction is already underway, with core infrastructure and internal roads currently being established.
“Cody, Wyoming, is a great choice for Western expansion,” CMP Board Member and Wyoming resident Ed Newell noted following a site visit. The [WSSC] offers a unique opportunity for a high-impact partnership consistent with CMP’s mission to promote youth programs, marksmanship and firearms safety.
Above, U.S. Senator Barrasso shows the WSSC event center, which will include a retail area, classroom, kitchen, and a multi-purpose conference hall that can also be used for indoor archery and air gun.
The WSSC is designed to be a world-class destination for shooting sports. Its mission is to inspire youth participation, promote responsible firearm use, and serve as a catalyst for economic growth and outdoor recreation in the State of Wyoming and our nation.
Beyond the financial contribution, the CMP partnership includes key collaborative elements:
Expert Range Design: The CMP will provide technical input on range design to ensure the facility can host the organization’s signature matches and national-level competitions.
On-Site CMP Store: There’s a plan for the WSSC clubhouse to feature a CMP Store which would provide visitors with access to historic American firearms.
Nearby Buffalo Bill Museum: The WSSC’s proximity to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which houses over 7,000 firearms, will create a unique “view it, learn it, then buy it” experience for the more than one million tourists who visit the area annually.
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Tags: CMP Grant, M1 Garand, Senator Barrasso, WSSC, WY Governor Mark Gordon, Wyoming Shooting Complex
