New Albany Advances New Animal Shelter and Public Works Projects
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The City of New Albany took another major step forward today as the New Albany Redevelopment Commission approved moving ahead with two key investments in city services: a new animal shelter and a new public works facility.
Both projects were originally approved by the New Albany City Council in 2025 as part of Mayor Jeff Gahan’s key initiatives, and today’s action signals that the City is getting closer to breaking ground on these critical investments in public services.
“These projects represent a long-term commitment to improving the services our residents rely on every day,” said Mayor Jeff Gahan. “From caring for animals to maintaining our streets and responding to emergencies, these facilities will ensure our team has the space, tools, and technology they need to serve our community at the highest level.”
The new animal shelter project follows the City’s decision to end a previous joint arrangement with Floyd County. Under the former interlocal agreement, the City and County were expected to share costs nearly evenly based on population. However, over time, Floyd County officials fell significantly behind on their financial obligations, shorting the City by nearly $1 million. The shortage from county officials has had drastic consequences on the condition of the facility, with the aging building rapidly deteriorating beyond what it can effectively support.
In response, City leadership moved to establish a fully independent animal shelter to ensure reliable funding and improved services. The new facility will significantly expand capacity, incorporate modern design, and include specialized HVAC systems to help prevent the spread of disease and improve overall animal health. The result will be a safer, more efficient, and more humane environment for animals and staff alike.
The City’s current public works facility is over 50 years old and has long exceeded its useful life and is no longer adequate to meet the City’s growing needs.
The new public works building will modernize operations by expanding space for equipment, materials, and workforce training. These upgrades will strengthen the City’s ability to respond to emergencies and severe weather events, while also improving day-to-day services such as road maintenance, pothole repair, and infrastructure improvements.
Together, these projects reflect New Albany’s continued investment in strong neighborhoods, public safety, and high-quality city services.
