RiverCom 911 buys land for new $1.4M emergency center in East Wenatchee

EAST WENATCHEE — RiverCom 911, the emergency communications center serving Chelan and Douglas counties, has purchased 12.7 acres of land for $1,422,400 to construct a new facility, the agency announced Thursday.

The property, located at the intersection of 5th Street NE and N Lyle Avenue in East Wenatchee, will house a new 911 Emergency Communications Center. This acquisition comes as RiverCom's current 8,300-square-foot space in the Wenatchee Police Department has become inadequate for the region's growing needs.

A 2019 study determined that RiverCom requires approximately 14,000 square feet to maintain efficient operations. The agency's lease with the City of Wenatchee is set to expire in 2029, further necessitating the move.

Doug Jones, RiverCom Executive Director, said, "We are pleased to take this first step toward a new RiverCom facility for our region. The RiverCom board is committed to creating a state-of-the-art facility that will serve as a hub for emergency communications and coordination for decades to come in service to our valued communities."

The new location was selected for its accessibility, growth potential, and optimal conditions for radio communications across RiverCom's two-county service area.

RiverCom, established in 2002 and operational since July 2004, serves as the regional 911 point-of-contact for Chelan and Douglas counties. The agency processed approximately 60,000 911 calls in 2023, not including non-emergency calls for service.

As the project moves forward, RiverCom has begun preliminary facility design and cost estimation processes. The new center aims to enhance emergency response services for the growing population of about 115,000 residents across the 4,741 square mile service area.