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Pitkin County moves forward on new regional 911 center at Roaring Fork Fire Rescue Station 42; IGA and financing discussed
Summary
Pitkin County and Roaring Fork Fire Rescue Authority are advancing construction of a new regional emergency communications center inside Station 42 in El Jebel. County 911 staff said the new space will be purpose‑built for dispatch, reduce staff turnover and shorten commutes for dispatchers; construction has begun and staff outlined condo‑style
Pitkin County staff reported that construction of a new regional emergency communications center — to house county dispatch and related telecommunications infrastructure — is underway at Roaring Fork Fire Rescue Authority’s Station 42 near El Jebel.
What’s happening: The county will occupy approximately a 5,000‑square‑foot second‑floor portion of a planned Station 42 addition; construction slabs and foundations were completed and vertical construction was to begin in spring. County project managers said the build is designed so the dispatch center will have a separate entrance, utilities and a condominiumized ownership structure for the county’s finished space.
Rationale: County officials said the new facility is intended to reduce turnover by providing a permanent, purpose‑built home for dispatch staff, shorten many dispatchers’ commutes (the majority live mid‑valley or below), and host modern infrastructure such as remote‑read gauges, redundant communications and bunk rooms for staff during long incidents.
Funding and IGA: Staff described a proposed intergovernmental agreement that will reimburse Roaring Fork Fire for county‑specific construction costs and will specify long‑term maintenance and cost‑share arrangements; final IGA terms will be returned to the commissioners for approval. Project funding has been advanced by Roaring Fork Fire and internal county capital; staff said if necessary the county will issue certificates of participation and reimburse Roaring Fork Fire through the 9‑1‑1 surcharge and participating agencies’ cost shares.
Resilience and disaster recovery: County 911 staff said they will keep remote‑site contingency plans (satellite centers and regional mutual‑aid arrangements such as a Vail backup) for major incidents; the new facility’s location on the mid‑valley corridor improves redundancy for I‑70‑linked contingencies.
Next steps: Staff will return to the board with a finalized IGA, and to the public as required when negotiation concludes. Construction continues; the county will condominiumize and take ownership of the finished dispatch suite before any debt issuance to reimburse partners.
Ending: Commissioners expressed support and asked staff to return with the formal IGA and schedule for any required debt issuance.
