(Below is a press release from Senator Seward's office)

State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I/Ref-Oneonta) today applauded the Susquehanna SPCA upon receipt of a $500,000 grant to assist with construction of a new animal shelter.

 “The Susquehanna Animal Shelter is staffed by wonderful, caring individuals who go above and beyond the call of duty,” said Senator Seward.  “I was extremely pleased to advocate on behalf of the Susquehanna SPCA during the grant application process and am thrilled that their well-deserving project is among the select few that will receive state backing.”

 The funding was included in the 2017-18 state budget as part of a new Companion Animal Capital Fund.  In total, $5 million is being distributed to 14 humane societies, nonprofits, and municipal shelters for capital projects.

 Nonprofit animal shelter facilities are often overcrowded and rely heavily on donations.  Municipal shelters, funded by local governments, can also struggle financially. Currently, humane societies, independent animal shelters, and nonprofits do not receive direct state funding for the essential services that they provide to communities throughout the state. The grants provided through the Companion Animal Capital Fund will allow for high-quality capital improvements that are often too expensive for shelters to consider.

 “Animal shelters are a haven for the animals they care for while also providing a vital community service.  Unfortunately, many shelters are in desperate need of funding just to provide food and basic care for the animals they house, and capital improvements are routinely placed on the back burner - this new state grant will change that,” added Seward.

 The Susquehanna SPCA will receive a $500,000 grant for the construction of a new animal shelter to replace the current structure. The project includes replacing a 50-year-old facility to improve living conditions and increase capacity. It will also allow for a new ventilation system and the addition of isolation space to improve disease control.

 The Companion Animal Capital Fund is administered by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets.

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