Funds needed for new Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Facility
information released
RiverCom, the region’s essential 911 call-taking and emergency services dispatching provider, is seeking state and federal support to help fund a new Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) facility that will ensure continued, reliable, and professional 911 services to Chelan and Douglas Counties.
The current RiverCom facility, located on the third floor of the Wenatchee Police Department is no longer adequate to support the growing public safety needs of the region. Built in 2004, the facility faces numerous challenges that limit RiverCom’s capacity to meet the growing emergency response needs of the region, including limited space, inadequate electrical capacity, and vulnerability to power outages and natural disasters. A 2019 study from an outside consultant, emphasized the need for a new facility, noting that the existing space is beyond capacity and ill-equipped to accommodate future growth. Since the 2019 report, RiverCom call volume has increased by 17% and staffing by 12% highlighting an even greater need now than at the time of the study.
“We’ve been managing with an outdated, overcrowded facility that is simply not up to the task of supporting RiverCom’s critical mission,” said Doug Jones, RiverCom Director. “Our current staffing levels and operational needs require space, modern infrastructure, and security that this facility can’t provide. A new facility will ensure we continue to meet the growing demands of our community, now and into the future.”
The RiverCom Administrative Board, which oversees RiverCom, is committed to making the new facility a reality. The board consists of elected officials from Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Chelan County, Douglas County, as well as representatives from the regional fire, police and EMS agencies served by RiverCom.
“The new RiverCom PSAP will not only strengthen local emergency services but also improve coordination between local, state, and federal agencies,” said Sheriff Mike Morrison, RiverCom Board Chair. “This is especially crucial when responding to events, such as wildland fires or search and rescue emergencies, where seamless communication and resource-sharing can make all the difference in saving lives and protecting property.”
Wenatchee Mayor Mike Poirier, who also serves as a RiverCom board member, emphasized the regional significance of the project. “This facility is not just for Wenatchee, it serves all the communities in Chelan and Douglas counties. By investing in this state-of-the-art PSAP, we are strengthening our region’s overall emergency response capabilities and enhancing public safety for not only our citizens, but our regional tourism as well.”
In August 2024, the RiverCom board took a significant step forward by purchasing land for the new facility for $1.4 million. The property is located at the corner of 5th St NE and N Lyle Ave in Douglas County.
RiverCom is in the process of requesting both state and federal community project funding for the remaining finances needed to complete the project. “We’ve been able to save a good portion of project funds through the local communication sales tax, but securing matching state and federal funds will make this project a reality,” said Jones, concluding that, “this is a sound investment in regional public safety, ensuring the citizens of Chelan and Douglas counties receive a fast, reliable, and well-coordinated response when they call 911 in times of crisis.”
RiverCom receives 150,000 total calls per year and provides emergency dispatching services to all law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies in Chelan and Douglas Counties. In addition, RiverCom owns, operates, and maintains the regional radio communications network used by first responders.
For additional information, visit the RiverCom website.
