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York Adopt-A-Pet
1511 N Platte
York, NE 68467
402.362.3964
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Update on construction
The new YAAP facility is underway.
Adopt-A-Pet breaks ground for new facility
By
Melanie Wilkinson
YORK
— After years of planning and pursuing many different financial
avenues, ground was finally broken Thursday for York
Adopt-A-Pet’s
(YAAP) new facility.A large number of dogs and cats were on hand for the festivities — as well as their owners and caregivers. Many YAAP volunteers, the York Ambassadors, local government officials and representatives of the USDA were in attendance as well.
The USDA is providing a $605,000 loan for the construction of the facility and YAAP has more than a quarter million dollars from donations to put toward the project. YAAP already owns the land on which the new building will stand.
Charlie Sanders, president of the YAAP Board of Directors, reflected on the long road to yesterday’s shovel lifting.
“This has been a dream of many people for five years,” Sanders told the crowd, as they stood in the wind, next to the lot where the new facility will stand. “I just want to say thank you to everyone who has contributed to this project. Thank you to the mayor, the city council, the ambassadors, all of you who have worked so hard toward this, and to the USDA representatives who are here today.”
Senator Mike Johanns sent a representative to the event, saying he regretted not being able to be in attendance.
“The importance of this project has inspired your community,” Johanns said, via a written letter. “This is also a great opportunity for your organization to work with the USDA.”
Senator Ben Nelson and Congressman Adrian Smith also sent letters of congratulations to the York community.
“It is exciting to see such cooperation between individuals, a community and the government,” Nelson wrote. “You are creating a much needed animal shelter and this is an excellent opportunity to continue to care for these animals. This keeps the animals safe and the community safe. The community will benefit from this project. Best wishes in your continued success.”
“This celebration is attributable to the community and the dedication of its citizens, as well as a partnership with the USDA,” Smith wrote. “I wish I could be there to thank you for your hard work. You represent the best Nebraska has to offer.”
Maxine Moul, the state director of USDA Rural Development, welcomed “both the humans and the pets. Good community involvement is so important with projects like this. The USDA is pleased to participate with a $605,000 loan. The USDA is pleased to see tax dollars at work in projects like this.”
Moul said USDA loans have helped build hospitals, fire halls, museums . . . this is the first animal shelter to partner with the USDA.
The facility, when completed, will be 8,000 square feet in size — a far cry from the 1,000 square feet the YAAP program now utilizes. There will be space for both dogs and cats at the new facility — right now, the cat sanctuary is located in private homes.
“We are also very excited that this new facility will have an area for education,” Sanders said, “where we can teach students about the humane treatment of animals, caring for their welfare, etc.”
“I want to show my appreciation to all the volunteers,” said York Mayor Chuck Harris. “Without your efforts, we wouldn’t be standing here today. Your services are invaluable to the city and we will continue to support your efforts.”
After the humans turned some soil, it was time to get the real players into the scene . . . as dozens of dogs and cats moved onto the ground where many animals’ lives will be saved and lifelong relationships with families will be formed.
York Adopt-A-Pet
1511 N Platte
York, NE 68467
If you have questions
Phone: 402-362-3964