06282016 - News Article - Porter County approves $2.25 million for new animal shelter

Porter County approves $2.25 million for new animal shelter 
NWI Times
Jun 28, 2016
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/porter-county-approves-million-for-new-animal-shelter/article_bec1ed04-996b-5d1a-8746-1a198a2ac093.html

VALPARAISO — The Porter County Council approved $2.25 million Tuesday night for a new animal shelter in what amounted to the deepest dip yet into the principal from the 2007 sale of the county hospital.

Council President Dan Whitten, D-at large, called the move a "tremendous step forward for the county" and the first of many capital projects that will be made possible by the investment of the hospital proceeds.

"I think this county is going to be very proud," he said.

The money, in addition to a $1 million donation from Valparaiso resident Jacki Stutzman, will be used to replace the county's undersized and aging shelter with a new facility along Ind. 49 near the Porter County Expo Center.

The plans for the new building, as presented last month before some tweaking, call for a 14,500-square-foot building.

"This is about fixing what's broke," said Councilman Jim Biggs, R-1st.

The council's action Tuesday night generated a round of applause from a group of shelter employees and supporters.

The Porter County Board of Commissioners approved the $2.25 million for the new shelter a couple of weeks ago. Unanimous approval from both the council and commissioners is necessary before dipping into the principal from the hospital sale proceeds.

Commissioner Jeff Good, R-Center, said the new facility will pave the way for new revenue from dog adoptions.

It will also attract new volunteers and additional donors, he said.

"I think looking forward there will be a lot of tremendous opportunities," Good said.

Commissioner Laura Blaney, D-South, who is Stutzman's niece, said, "This is what can be done when we all put aside our differences and find common ground for the good of the community."