The Newton County Agricultural Center is officially under construction after a special ground breaking ceremony Tuesday.

The Newton County Board of Commissioners (BOC) approved the center, located at 720FFA/FCCLA Camp Road off of Highway 36, earlier this year. The project will cost $3,350,000. Newton County will contribute $1,100,000, the state will contribute $2,000,000 and One Georgia will contribute $250,000.

The $1.1 million in county funds is coming from the 2011 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) money that was voted on and approved by Newton County residents.

The center is set to include a covered outdoor pavilion, a climate controlled area to show small animals, restroom and concession areas, office space and classrooms.