By Steve Klamkin WPRO News

A brief groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction Monday morning for a new, “tri-town” animal shelter serving North Providence, Johnston and Smithfield.

The $2.7 million shelter is a joint effort by the three communities, and was scheduled on “National Pet Day”.

“I’m excited about this, because there’s no doubt in my mind that when communities get together to provide services for their taxpayers, there’s no doubt a savings,” said North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Lombardi. “This probably should have happened a long time ago but, you know, things in the COVID, and everyone likes to blame the COVID by the way, but it’s reality, and today’s a great day for the three communities.”

He said the animal control officers from the three communities contributed to the design of the facility, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.