A new state-of-the-art facility will house both the DFW Humane Society and the city of Irving's Animal Services.
The groundbreaking for the $6.2 million complex was held Thursday in the 4100 block of Valley View Lane . The facility is scheduled to open in late 2009.
Through a management services agreement with the city, the humane society will manage the kenneling, care and adoption of up to one-third of the stray cats and dogs in the city's animal services.
The complex will be funded through the city of Irving's capital improvement bond funds, gas lease revenues and private donations to the DFW Humane Society.
The humane society will occupy more than 5,000 square feet of the more than 20,000-square-foot facility. The organizations will have separate entries into the facility, but will share common areas, like parking and animal receiving areas and meeting rooms.
In addition, the city has designated money for the development of a dog park next to the facility.
