The Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center celebrated with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2016 at the new H.G. Mosley facility. Mayor Andy Mack spoke about marking a monumental change in how Longview and Gregg County care for animals.
"We are opening a state-of-the-art animal care and adoption facility, and in doing so, we are collectively showing a commitment from the city, the county, donors, and volunteers that we are working together to improve and better manage all aspects involved in animal services. Even the name of the facility echos that change. Our goal is not to be just a shelter but rather to be the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center. Our goal is to help create a shift in how our community views animal care," Mack said.
Members of the animal shelter task force were recognized including: Dr. Kenneth Glaze, Alicia Nolte, Dr. Bart Owens, Dr. Hall Griffin, Kristen Ishihara, Sherry Fisher, Stuart Russell, Sue Martin, Dr. Kenneth Kimbrough, David Frye, John Sims and Daryl Williams.
Mack also discussed the funding challenges encountered. The solution was a partnership between the City of Longview and Gregg County, each contributing $2.5 million, and finally, approximately $1 million from donations both large and small.
Major donors were recognized: Ruben and Sue Martin; Estate of Ona Jo Simpson; Debbie and Bill Bankston; Mike and Amy Clements; Latricia and Rex Nichols; Sidney and Anna Lee Allen; Mike Alicia and Ella Bleu Nolte; and 3D Plastics.
A new non-profit called Longview PAWS (Pets Are Worth Saving) was thanked for the nearly $30,000 in donations given for shelter operations.
TIMELINE:
1/10/13: Save the Animals Task Force Recommendations presented to the Longview City Council
8/22/13: City Council approves design contract
5/8/14: City Council accepts donated 4.318 acres of property from Humane Society of Northeast Texas
1/15/15: Bids for Construction opened and awarded to RPR Construction of Tyler
7/1/16: Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center opened for business
7/20/16: Official Ribbon-Cutting
CONSTRUCTION REVENUES and DONATIONS: $2,500,000 Gregg County; $2,500,000 City of Longview; $915,217.09 Private Donations; Additional funds have been used for furnishings and fixtures. Value of 4.318 acres of land donated by the Humane Society of Northeast Texas: $75,790.