Brookhaven Animal Rescue League officials report progress towarda new indoor animal facility, but project funding remains more than$100,000 away from what is needed.

“We’ve raised $40,000 for the building but need about another$135,000,” said Rusty Adcock, BARL building committee chairman.

In recent weeks, between rainy periods, Adcock said Roger DaleHerrington has overseen dirt work at the facility’s planned sitebehind Hartley Gove Sons thermometer plant.

“Due to the building site being a low-lying area, we decided togo ahead and move dirt in place,” Adcock said. “This way it showsprogress, and we’ll be ready for the next stage as money becomesavailable.”

Adcock said the next step will be the foundation. He did notexpect that work to be done until the end of the summer.

“That’s so the dirt will settle and set up like it should,”Adcock said.

The shelter will be 3,000 square feet and include a puppy room,dog runs, a cat room and an operating room. The facility will beused to hold animals until they can get adopted into new homes.

Currently, dogs and puppies are housed in outdoor pens near theplant, while cats and kittens are boarded at the three areaveterinarian offices.

Adcock said the BARL committee does not have a time table forcompleting the facility. He said members are mulling over severalconstruction options.

One option is to construct the building in sections. The otheroption is to utilize the services of an Arizona company thatspecializes in kennels and animal shelters.

“It’s got what our needs are,” Adcock said.

The building decision will affect the placement of plumbing forthe shelter. Adcock said the city is working on getting water andsewer services to the property line but BARL will be responsiblefor extending those to the building itself.

BARL officials are continuing with various fund-raisers.

Adcock said a celebrity dinner in November netted about $8,000and a portion of proceeds from BARL’s recent golf tournament addedabout $3,000 to the building fund. A memorial brick campaign isongoing.

BARL is seeking grants and planning other fund-raisers. Adcocksaid the next event would probably be another celebrity dinner inthe fall.

“We’re all anxious to get the fund built up,” Adcock said.

Adcock said it is likely that a portion of BARL funds raised tosupport day-to-day operations would be diverted to the buildingfund. He said BARL’s animal care services must continue even as itpursues the new facility.

“We’re trying to be practical but also very persistent,” Adcocksaid.