MATTESON, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — With the help of Cook County, the South Suburban Humane Society will construct a large new animal shelter in Matteson.
County Board President Toni Preckwinkle presided over a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday that was attended by a few pets up for adoption as well as local elected officials and others.
Preckwinkle said it will be a spacious animal shelter for the South Suburban Humane Society, a place for people to come adopt new pets, among other things.
Cook County is providing a $6 million grant, which is 80 percent of the total cost, and South Suburban Humane Society CEO Emily Klehm welcomed all the support. Klehm said she is delighted with the prospects for a new, larger facility to care for unwanted or stray animals and provide services.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly of Matteson said she once worked for the Cook County Animal and Rabies Control so this project is dear to her.
The South Suburban Humane Society will raise the rest of the money for construction.