Exciting Times Ahead for Bryan: New $7 Million Animal Center Set to Break Ground in 2025

Exciting Times Ahead for Bryan: New Animal Center in the Works!

Hey there, Bryan! It looks like there’s some exciting news on the horizon for our furry friends and animal lovers! Can you believe it has already been seven years since the city council first decided to look into building a new animal center? That’s right, back in March 2025, we’ll be marking the anniversary of those important discussions. Well, fast forward to now, and it seems we’re really getting the ball rolling!

Council Gives Green Light for Over $7 Million Facility

During the city council meeting this past Tuesday, December 10, it was officially announced that a decision was made to construct a brand new animal center that will cost more than $7 million. That’s a hefty price tag, but with the results of a recent feasibility study, it’s clear that it’s long overdue! The city’s own Eric Zaragoza shared some eye-opening findings which revealed that:

• We need more animal habitats to ensure all animals are comfortable.
• The current spaces are being used for multiple purposes, which is causing some confusion.
• There isn’t enough space designated for various programs.
• Rooms are often being used as passageways for unrelated activities – yikes!
• Accessibility for all needs to be improved.
• There’s a risk of disease spreading due to public access in shared spaces.

With unanimous support from the seven council members, it looks like we’re on the fast track to building this much-needed facility on city-owned land right on Martin Luther King Jr. Street, next to the municipal services center. However, it’s worth noting that some neighbors have raised concerns. Don’t worry, though; construction is tentatively set to kick off in October 2025!

A Closer Look at the Bryan Animal Center

The Bryan Animal Center (BAC) is a beloved spot in our community, attracting around 9,000 visitors each year. Surprisingly, it also has the largest pool of volunteers, with an impressive 3,000 applications just this past year. And since 2015, our awesome volunteers have donated over 31,000 hours of their time!

In the last fiscal year, the center took in 1,361 animals and managed to return 667 pets to their esteemed owners, boasting a hopeful save rate of 69%. It’s clear that the hard work is paying off, as they also provided over 1,537 vaccinations, 1,373 microchips, and 1,196 sterilizations since 2021. Isn’t that incredible?

Other News in Bryan: Medical Examiner’s Office Expansion

$10 million. Initially, the budget was set at $24 million, but now it has climbed to a staggering $34 million!

Although the pandemic grant funding was reduced to $18.5 million, the remaining amount will come from the county’s general fund. Construction on this new building is expected to take around 15 months, and groundbreaking is set for next Tuesday, December 17, right on 29th Street between St. Joseph’s hospital and Briarcrest.

Community Updates: A Tragic Accident and a Court Case

21-year-old Joshua Huffman, from Lucedale, Mississippi. 30-minute jury deliberation. After hearing heart-wrenching testimonies, he was sentenced to a combined 65 years behind bars for his heinous actions. Justice is being served!

That’s all the news for now, Bryan! It’s a mixed bag of updates, but one thing’s for sure: we’re all excited to see our animal friends finally get the care and space they deserve!