COLUMBUS, Ind. — The City of Columbus on Tuesday approved a public‑private agreement to build a new 21,000‑square‑foot animal care facility near the Columbus Municipal Airport.

Force Construction will build the facility, with groundbreaking set for Aug. 26 and completion expected in July 2027. The project has a guaranteed maximum price of $9.8 million.

Mark and Wendy Elwood donated $1 million toward the project, which mirrors a separate $1 million community capital campaign. Additional funding includes $5 million from the city’s general fund and $1.7 million in READI funds.

The current 4,900‑square‑foot facility suffers from electrical issues, poor ventilation and overcrowding.