After coping with overcrowding issues, the Williamson County Animal Shelter Is on its way to moving into a brand-new facility in spring 2019, officials said. With the growth Williamson County is experiencing, not only people are moving within county limits; animals are coming, too. Wednesday afternoon, Williamson County officials and residents gathered to mark the groundbreaking of a new animal shelter facility. Precinct 3 County Commissioner Valerie Covey said she has hoped to open a new animal shelter facility since she first became county commissioner more than 10 years ago.   Williamson County Precinct 1 Commissioner Terry Cook pets Mary, a shelter dog available for adoption.[/caption]   “It’s been an interesting multiple years trying to address the growth we’ve had in our county,” Covey said. “And not just people. With more people come more animals.” The cities of Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander and Hutto have partnered to facilitate the expansion. “This is a great testament to the things that can happen when the cities and counties can get together and pull resources, because there’s no way we could provide this type of service in our small community,” Hutto Mayor Doug Gaul said. “Hutto’s really excited to see this come to fruition. We’re glad to be part of this.” The new animal shelter building, with all costs, will come out to about $10 million and should be completed by spring 2019, Covey said. “I think one thing we’re lucky to have in Williamson County is elected officials who can get along and can figure out how to make things happen,” Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan said. “This is one of those projects. Who can’t get happy about puppies and dogs?”   Executive Director Cheryl Schneider of the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter poses for photos with Charger, a shelter dog awaiting adoption at the shelter.[/caption]