NH breaks ground on state-of-the-art 911 facility

From left, Gov. Kelly Ayotte, Exec. Councilor Joseph Kenney, Commissioner Robert Quinn, Assist. Commissioner Steven Lavoie, Director Mark Doyle, E911 Comm. Chair George Valliere.(Courtesy photo)

LACONIA - The New Hampshire Department of Safety's Division of Emergency Services and Communications (New Hampshire 911) officially broke ground on its new state-of-the-art facility in Laconia on Monday, marking a key moment in the state's investment in emergency communications.

"Our state has the best 911 professionals in the country. This new facility in Laconia will provide our dispatchers and emergency response personnel with state-of-the-art upgrades to help them continue their life-saving work," said Governor Kelly Ayotte. "I was proud to be at the groundbreaking today, and I thank the hardworking men and women of New Hampshire 911 for the critical role they play in keeping us the safest state in the nation."

The new 20,840-square-foot facility, located at 311 Meredith Center Road, will be built on a seven-acre state-owned parcel, eliminating the need for land acquisition costs. Designed by Harriman and constructed by Harvey Construction as the general contractor, this project underscores New Hampshire's commitment to maintaining a strong and reliable statewide 911 system. The $18.5 million project, funded entirely with federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, will provide a modernized home for critical 911 services that serve residents and visitors across the state.

"This modernized 911 facility, purposefully designed as a state-of-the-art communications center, will not just be a building - it will be a lifeline supporting New Hampshire's emergency response capabilities," said Commissioner Robert L. Quinn. "This monumental step forward helps ensure that when every second counts, technology, precision, and coordination work seamlessly together to save lives and keep our communities safe."

This move will be a significant upgrade from the current facility at 50 Communications Drive, which sits on the 217-acre former Laconia State School property. The facility is over 70 years old with many maintenance challenges and space constraints. The property was sold by the Governor and Executive Council this past fall.

The new facility will house one of the state's two 911 call centers, also known as public safety answering points (PSAPs), where highly trained telecommunicators answer and process all 911 calls for New Hampshire. It will also provide workspace for the Division's Data Operations section, which works closely with towns across the state to assist with mapping and addressing processes. The Laconia facility is also where new 911 telecommunicators begin their training process, ensuring that they are well-prepared to handle emergency calls.

"This new facility represents our ongoing commitment to the dedicated professionals who serve as the first, first responders," said Mark E. Doyle, Director of the Division of Emergency Services and Communications. "Our 911 telecommunicators are the calm in the chaos, the steady voice in someone's worst moment. This space will support their mission with the tools, technology, and environment they need to continue delivering exceptional service to the people of New Hampshire."

The project is expected to be completed within 16 months.