Construction of the nearly 20,000 square-foot facility is expected to be completed fall 2020.
BISMARCK, ND (July 22, 2019) – DCN (Dakota Carrier Network) and the Central Dakota Communications Center (CenCom) broke ground Tuesday, July 16, on a new public safety communications center. The nearly 20,000 square-foot center is an addition to DCN’s north Bismarck building located at 4202 Coleman Street. Over 60 guests took part in the groundbreaking celebration including DCN’s Owner companies; the CenCom Board of Directors and Executive Committee; Bismarck, Mandan and Burleigh County elected officials; Gov. Doug Burgum’s representative; North Dakota congressional delegation representatives; Bismarck Mandan Chamber-EDC; and members of the public.
“The public-private partnership between DCN and North Dakota’s public safety sector has been in place since 2000, and we’re honored to continue to support critical infrastructure to ensure the safety of people in our state,” DCN CEO Seth Arndorfer said.
DCN and CenCom worked with Fargo-based TL Stroh, architectural and interior design firm, on plans for the addition, which will be constructed with the same specifications as DCN’s existing hardened Bismarck Coleman and Fargo Great Plains data centers. These facilities were built to withstand up to 200 mph F4 tornado-force winds. Construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2020.
“It is a wise use of tax dollars to leverage what DCN has already built rather than recreate a facility for our own existence,” says CenCom Director Mike Dannenfelzer. “Our previous partnership has been successful, and we look forward to operating under the same roof.”
Public-private partnership history
DCN first provided network services to CenCom in 2000, supporting 911 public safety communication services for Bismarck, Mandan and Burleigh County. The public-private partnership has proven a successful endeavor for the two entities that are now preparing to have their operations located under the same roof.
“DCN has provided mission critical services to the State of North Dakota for almost 20 years, and the CenCom project is another example of how our state and local leaders are leveraging investments made by private industry in North Dakota to achieve greater things,” Arndorfer said.
Further information about DCN can be found at DakotaCarrier.com.
(From L-R) Rick Collin, Southwest Regional Representative for U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer; Sean Cleary, Regional Director for U.S. Sen. John Hoeven; Dave Lehman, North Dakota Department of Commerce; Rodney Hoffmeyer, North Dakota Telephone Company CEO; Perry Oster, United Communications General Manager/CEO; Troy Schilling, West River Telecom CEO; Darrel Nitschke, Western Region Director for U.S. Rep. Kelly Armstrong; Dennis Rohr, Mandan City Commissioner; Steve Bakken, Bismarck Mayor; Mike Dannenfelzer, CenCom Director; Seth Arndorfer, DCN CEO; Jeff Olson, Red River Communications General Manager and DCN Board Chair; Jerry Woodcox, Burleigh County Commissioner; Kent Schimke, Dickey Rural Networks CEO; Steve Nardello, Mandan Fire Department Chief; Tim Olson, Polar Communications Field Operations Supervisor; Keith Larson, Dakota Central CEO.
Rendering of the future CenCom addition to DCN’s Bismarck building.
