The PAWS & More Animal Shelter in Washington celebrated the next step in their new shelter project with a groundbreaking ceremony and ribbon cutting Wednesday. 

The new shelter will be located at the Southwest Business Park at 1061 West Buchanan Street. The Washington Chamber of Commerce celebrated with shelter staff and stakeholders with a golden shovel ceremony. 

The $3.6 million project is being funded through donations, fundraisers, and grants. Part of that funding includes a $2.4 million grant from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation.

Shelter officials are hoping that the shelter will be completed in 10-12 months weather permitting. The new shelter will double their current facility’s size, and include walking paths, all-season gathering places, and inclusive spaces for everyone to interact with the animals.