 Startup preparations for the station began in March 1959, at an estimated cost of $150,000 according to Community Radio Corporation partner Robert Lukkason.The station was initially expected to be a semi-satellite of KNOX-TV in Grand Forks (now defunct), but would have its own studios.KCND's original construction permit was based on plans to operate from a 310-foot (94-metre) tower with a power of 21,000 watts.