BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

MASSENA -- The Massena Humane Society has received a $500,000 grant from New York State to support renovation and expansion efforts.

The news comes as Governor Kathy Hochul announced $10.4 million will be distributed to 30 animal care organizations across the state as part of round seven of the New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund.  

The funds for Massena will be used for enhanced record keeping equipment, upgrades to the kennels, drainage and HVAC system, radiant floor heat, soundproofing and a new intake area.

“Any pet owner can tell you that companion animals like dogs and cats are more than just furry friends – they’re family,” Hochul said.

“Animal shelters and humane societies play an enormous role in keeping companion animals safe and well cared for while they await their new families and forever home. This funding is making a real difference, helping to better equip these vital facilities with the tools they need to improve the quality of care for animals.”

In neighboring counties and municipalities, Jefferson County was awarded $500,000 to renovate kennels, upgrade the HVAC system, repair the drainage system, and install resin flooring, concrete walls and sound proofing, while the town of Bangor was awarded $500,000 to improve record keeping equipment, upgrade cat cages, upgrade drainage and HVAC and soundproofing.

Since launching in 2017, the Companion Animal Capital Fund program, administered through the Department of Agriculture and Markets, has distributed over $38 million to benefit 130 projects statewide.

This round of funding builds on previous rounds of this program that is helping to offset the costs associated with capital projects run by New York State animal shelters, such as renovating dog kennels, improving medical facilities, or building more efficient shelters to reduce overall operational costs, state officials said.

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