Funding for gun safety training for Mat-Su residents will be available soon. Proposed by District 7 Assemblymember Ron Bernier in the 2025 budget year, the funding was prompted by a lack of Alaska State Trooper presence in the Upper Susitna Valley.
But the Assembly has not yet determined how that $75,000 for gun safety training will be spent. Borough Purchasing Director Russ Krafft says the scope of the project will be discussed at the June 18th Assembly meeting.
Bernier’s proposed legislation seeking ways to arm residents in an effort to be their own first line of defense passed in January. This funding is an effort to put that resolution into action.
Troopers and Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell attended a Trapper Creek Community Council meeting last July to discuss the lack of Troopers in the Upper Valley. Cockrell explained that there were 11 open positions in the Mat-Su at the time. There are currently 14 vacancies. Fewer Troopers means it sometimes takes hours for a response and sometimes they don’t respond at all.
Hunter education certification courses are required to hunt in Game Management Areas 13, 14, 16 and others for anyone born after January 1, 1986.
But a concealed carry permit requires more training and paperwork. Ned Sparks with the Upper Susitna Shooters Association says the permit requires a law enforcement officer and attorney to sign off. The Association doesn’t yet have protocols to offer training, though it is a goal. Instructors can rent the range to train individuals.
It is unclear what kind of gun safety training the grant will cover or if it will go toward supporting ranges or individual trainers. The Assemblymembers will decide next Tuesday.
