PORTLAND, TEXAS — The city of Portland is one step closer to getting a new animal shelter as funds were approved last week by the city to build a new facility.
The current building, which was built in the late 1970s, has long been overcrowded and in need of repairs.
“This is part of phase one of re-doing our whole public works center at that location. So we are very hopeful that it is in phase one because it is really needed,” said Portland Police Chief Mark Cory.
Construction on the new 6,000 square-feet facility is expected to start in the next several months, and it’s expected to open in the Fall of 2021.
“This new animal service center will double the capacity of felines and canines that we can handle now. It is a great project for the community, and it is going to be really good for the city of Portland,” said Cory.
Portland Chief of Police Mark Cory says the area's growth is one of the reasons a new shelter is necessary.
“We definitely do need a greater capacity to handle; as the city gets bigger the population increases. Of course, the animals we have to deal with increase and so this animal service center will definitely be a huge asset to us,” said Cory.
The new animal service center, which includes some nearby infrastructure improvements, is estimated to be $1.3 million.
The project is part of the city’s 5-year capital improvement program.
