A groundbreaking ceremony was held Thursday for the new Bridgeport animal shelter.

The extensive complex will be built on Evergreen Street, at the former location of the defunct Shoreline Star?s dog track kennels. The 260,000-square foot site has sat virtually vacant for more than two years.

Coming in with an almost $5 million price tag, the facility will provide two buildings with 40 pens each for animals. A separate building will serve as a dog and cat adoption center, and offer veterinary services. The administrative offices will be on-site as well.

When asked of the value this new hub will offer to Bridgeport, Mayor John Fabrizi described it to be ?priceless.? The renovation will entail more than just animal care and lodging. Other buildings will house police department operations, fire department and rescue services, a water pollution control and pump station, and a public sand and salt facility.