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Politics

New animal shelter facility for Vicksburg approved by Board of Mayor and Alderman

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BOMA 10-8-21
Board of Mayor and Alderman meting on Oct. 8. (Photo via VTV screengrab)

The new animal shelter facility for the City of Vicksburg was approved by the Board of Mayor and Alderman on Friday. The new animal shelter facility is planned to be located on Highway 61 South on the lot next to Mid-South Lumber. The building to be used for the new facility was graciously donated to the City of Vicksburg by Earnest Thomas before his death.

During the Board meeting, Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs, Jr. voted alongside North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield and South Ward Alderman Alex Monsour in favor of the facility.

“I have looked at the money and I think we can afford what they are about to announce – or they did announce, yesterday,” stated Flaggs.

“I just say that we put this one to bed. It is a passionate subject with many, many people,” said Monsour. “We just had to get to the point we could get it done.”

Mayfield, while citing some concerns, decided to move forward with the project. “We are at the point where we are probably going to have to move forward from here. There’s going to be more discussion on it,” stated Mayfield. “some of that discussion may entail redesigns – a few things.” Mayfield continued to say the property was large enough to accommodate any redesigns or expansions that may be needed in the future.

The top-of-the-line facility is expected to cost close to $1 million dollars with the estimated cost range to be from $993,000 to $1.4 million. The 10,000 square foot facility will be able to house many more animals and meet all the qualifiers animal advocates had proposed for the community. It will also offer a special area to visit the animals.

The outdated facility on Old Mill Road in the Kings Community has been plagued for years with flooding and flash flooding and the aging unit continues to struggle with the volume of animals that come through there. Currently, the facility can only house 18 dogs and 39 smaller animals and has maxed out its capacity several times this year.

With the vote approved, the dialogue between the City and project designer can begin. Once the design is finalized with a cost estimate, advertising for contractors will begin.

 

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