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Groundbreaking at animal shelter

Andrea Johnson/MDN People break ground Tuesday for a remodelng and rebuilding project at the Souris Valley Animal Shelter.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held Tuesday at the Souris Valley Animal Shelter for a $3.2 million remodeling and rebuilding project.

Executive director Shelbi Waters and board president Jennifer Burdick said an addition has been badly needed. The project and a capital campaign to raise funds for the project has been years in the making.

Burdick said after Waters was hired, she spent time visiting other animal shelters across the country to learn about modern designs and aided in designing a plan that will work for the Minot location. The Souris Valley Animal Shelter has also launched a foster program for animals in need so that local families can take care of the cats and dogs in need while the project is underway.

Donations will still be needed to help pay for the project.

According to past stories on the shelter project, Souris Valley Animal Shelter wants to remodel and add on because there is a lack of indoor exercise space for pets to get exercise. There also hasn’t been enough space to fully isolate sick animals.

Andrea Johnson/MDN Conni Ahart and Evarose Gutmann look over plans for a remodeling and rebuilding project at the Souris Valley Animal Shelter before the ceremony on Tuesday.

The building also has other issues, including mold, insufficient airflow, structural rotting, and minimal natural sunlight.

The organization serves the counties of Ward, Burke, Mountrail, Dunn, McLean, Bottineau, Renville, Wells, Pierce, McHenry, Ramsey and Divide. It also contracts with Minot Air Force Base.

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