TUCSON – The completion of phase 1 of Pima Animal Care’s new facility was celebrated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday.
Pima County leaders, jurisdictional partners and advocates gathered for the occasion.
The project is a result of $22 million approved by taxpayers in 2014.
The new shelter features 60,000 square feet of space, which includes a state-of-the-art medical facility, indoor and outdoor areas for pets and isolated sections for disease control.
"There's no question that this is good for the animals health and this is better for their mental health,” said PACC volunteer Michael Kloth.
"This is a wonderful testament to the voters of our community and what they said that we could do and the belief that they had and the difference we could make in those lives,” said Pima County Supervisor Ramon Valadez.
PACC officials continue to fight the issue of overcrowding.
"As Tucson and the surrounding area continues to grow, I imagine the pet population will continue to grow with that. Hopefully this is going to make a huge difference in terms of the pet overpopulation," Kloth said.
Phase 2 of the project, which involves the partial demolition and remodel of the old shelter, is expected to be completed by summer 2018.
The quiet weather pattern to start the week may come at a cost.
The quiet weather pattern to start the week may come at a cost.
Teachers in Arizona will start the week in their classrooms, but on Thursday, many are expected to walk off the job and head to the capitol.
Teachers in Arizona will start the week in their classrooms, but on Thursday, many are expected to walk off the job and head to the capitol.
Two sisters were on their way to a cousin's funeral when the unexpected happened.
Two sisters were on their way to a cousin's funeral when the unexpected happened.
TUCSON (KVOA) -- Two residents and their dogs were able to safely escape a fire that caused heavy damage to a home on the northwest side late Sunday night.
TUCSON (KVOA) -- Two residents and their dogs were able to safely escape a fire that caused heavy damage to a home on the northwest side late Sunday night.