Governor Hochul announces over $7.5 million awarded to animal shelters statewide for improvements
GLENFIELD- $7.6 million worth of funding has been anchored for 21 different animal shelters and humane societies statewide, thanks to the New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund.
In its fifth round, Governor Kathy Hochul says the funding will support construction, renovation, and expansion projects that will enhance animal care and health and help ensure adoptions for New York's dogs and cats.
"Animal shelters and humane societies across New York provide essential care for dogs and cats as they await their new families and forever homes," Governor Hochul said.
"New York's Companion Animal Capital Fund is making a real difference for our shelters and humane societies, and the animals in their care, helping them make critical upgrades to better care for the animals and provide greater support for the staff and volunteers that care for them."
Locally, Lewis County Humane Society is aimed to receive $500,000 for new HVAC system, new laundering equipment, creation of cat isolation room, and to repair and update damaged shelter structures.
Since the launch of the Companion Animal Capital Fund program in 2017, which is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the state has dedicated over $33 million to the program, including funds committed in this year's budget.
The fifth round of funding awarded builds on previous initiatives to offset the costs associated with capital projects run by New York State animal shelters, such as renovating dog kennels, improving medical facilities, or building more efficient shelters to reduce overall operational costs.
Projects funded this year include new living spaces for additional cats, new medical facilities, and improved outdoor spaces, and shelter renovations to include additional kennels.
Competitive grants were awarded to shelters based on a need assessment, detailed project description, and reasonableness of cost.
Image via Lewis County Humane Society.
