Today, Franklin County Commissioners broke ground at the site of the new Franklin County Animal Care and Control Dog Shelter and Adoption Center.

The $18 million facility has potential to temporarily house over 420 dogs while awaiting adoption. The Dog Shelter and Adoption Center will be located at 4340 Tamarack Boulevard, in the former Northland Mall plaza on Morse Rd.

The design of the new Dog Shelter and Adoption Center addresses interconnected objectives of the Animal Shelter and Animal Control and highlights enhanced customer service, expanded clinical operations and educational outreach.

The open design and space allocation will address current and future concerns such as reducing pet overpopulation through education and licensing, increasing adoptions by encouraging visitations from the community and real life rooms will encourage interactivity with dogs as areas for behavior testing.

A grassed area of over 2 acres will be dedicated to exercise and supervised play for animals. Two separate outdoor fenced areas will allow exercise areas for dogs and small graveled areas outside of each main animal house will allow for short-duration play and exercise.

The new design for the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center is intended to meet high standards in environmental design. The LEED Silver certified building will have preferred parking for low-emitting, fuel-efficient vehicles, low-flow water efficient fixtures, a highly reflective "green" roof, fresh, filtered air and solar panels to reduce the energy demands of the building.

"This fiscally prudent project will create a safe environment for the animals, the public, and our staff in an environmentally sustainable LEED-designated building," said Commissioner Paula Brooks. "This investment will employ over 190 local workers and strengthen the Morse Rd. corridor. This is about jobs as much as it is about quality animal care in a sustainable facility."

"The new Dog Shelter and Adoption Center is a testament to efficient, environmental design. The "green" features of the building contribute to making our communities greener and cleaner for future generations," said Commissioner Marilyn Brown.

"I cannot wait to see this abandoned land evolve into a two-acre facility. The Adoption Center will be a place where animals will receive quality care while waiting for adoption and where community residents can interact with dogs looking for a permanent home," said Commissioner John O'Grady

Construction on The Franklin County Animal Care and Control Dog Shelter and Adoption Center is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2010.