POTSDAM — The Potsdam Humane Society (PHS) and NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets will host a groundbreaking ceremony at noon on Sunday, Feb. 17 to launch the major expansion of the shelter at 17 Madrid Ave..

The event will feature representatives from the village, town, county, and the Department of Agriculture and Markets, along with representatives of the firms designing and constructing the project. These include Brooks Washburn Architect PC and Main Street Builders.

In addition, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, representing New York’s 21st District, will send representative to the groundbreaking event.

The $238,525 project includes construction of an annex that will house a year-round exercise and training area for pets, a community room, and administrative offices.

The exercise area will ensure regular socialization, mental stimulation, and physical activity for dogs when access to outdoor areas is limited during the winter months, according to PHS. The original building will also see improvements made to support animal care.

The three-phase project will streamline and improve current services, upgrade the quantity and quality of veterinarian services for both the shelter animals and the community clinics, increase PHS’s ability to service more cats and dogs, and decrease time to successful adoption.

PHS will dedicate its new building to the memory of Chad Fuller. Fuller made the ultimate sacrifice for his country during action in Afghanistan on August 31, 2003. Prior to his enlistment in the Army, he was a longtime supporter and volunteer at the shelter.

Founded in 1957, PHS has been providing love and humane care for unwanted, abandoned and sick animals in Potsdam and surrounding areas for more than 50 years. With the support of the Potsdam community and 10 surrounding townships, PHS delivers services and protection to over 1,200 cats, dogs and other animals each year.