Project Statement

This project will provide funding for renovations, improvements, additions to, and equipping of dog kennels, front offices, and public spaces of the animal shelter. Depending upon costs and funding availability, this project will primarily renovate or replace the dog kennel runs with improved materials and systems to improve the ability to maintain sanitary conditions and to make cleaning easier and more effective, to better serve the needs of animals housed at the facility, and to efficiently provide the level of animal services directed by the Mayor and Commission. Improvements may also include an adjoining dog park area and/or the addition of additional outdoor dog runs for pet and potential adopter interaction. Additionally, to the extent allowed by law, funds may be used as matching funds for leveraging grant opportunities.

Project Update

A User Group has been established and has met several times. The User Group participated in the site visit with SPLOST staff to review the existing conditions of the animal shelter. User Group identified the current needs at the shelter and developed a list of project concept items in priority order.  On March 7, 2023, the M&C approved the Project Concept and authorized staff to advance the proposed project concept to the schematic design phase based on funding availability. Staff, the design team, and the User Group finalized the schematic design. On October 3, 2023, M&C approved the Proposed Schematic Design and authorized the staff to complete construction documents and advance the project to Bid & Award phase.   Staff and the design team are exploring various design options for the old kennels renovation to ensure the most effective use of funds and currently seeking supplementary funding to enhance the current project budget and to accommodate efficient design options.