The Newport City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Lincoln County to develop a land lease for the construction of the Lincoln County Animal Shelter on airport property. Lincoln County needs up to five acres of land for a site that would accommodate an animal shelter, potential housing for larger animals, and storage adjacent to the Newport Municipal Airport. This MOU does not bind either party to a final decision on relocation, or the terms of the necessary agreements to undertake that relocation. It does evidence the commitment of both parties to thoroughly explore the viability of this option for the future Animal Shelter.
In addition to the Animal Shelter Facility with room for expansion, additional shelter amenities will be explored with the city. These include but are not limited to, dog runs, exercise areas, larger animal corrals or shelters, and pet adoption facilities. These may be incorporated directly into the Animal Shelter but need to be identified and approved for planning purposes. The county wants to incorporate an option for storage facilities into the plan. This would include, but not be limited to, storage for Animal Services purposes, emergency services purposes, and general county storage needs. The county’s goal is to begin construction by September 1, 2021.