A federal disaster declaration that includes Wayne County makes federal funding available for individuals and public entities that suffered flooding losses.
Matthew Cain, director of the Wayne County Emergency Management Agency, told Wayne County’s commissioners during their Aug. 26 meeting that a disaster recovery center would be established. It would provide one-on-one assistance to individuals navigating the federal aid process. He said government entities would likely begin their process with a virtual meeting to share information.
“We’ll take any help we can get at this time,” he said.
With county communities in recovery mode, commissioners allowed the local disaster declaration to expire Aug. 26. Commissioners initiated the weeklong declaration Aug. 12 during the height of the flooding and extended it Aug. 19 for another week.
Cain also recommended commissioners cap how long the Hagerstown Transfer Station would accept debris. He reported that Best Way, which is handling the debris sorting and disposal, reported minimal debris drop-offs. Commissioners voted to end collection Sept. 4.
Two large trash receptacles had been filled in Williamsburg, Cain said, and will be replaced.
In another issue, Cain reported that three agencies had expressed interest in submitting proposals to provide emergency medical services within Wayne County. The county’s five-year contract with Reid Health EMS expires at the end of 2026.
Commissioners unanimously approved proceeding with a request for proposals with a Sept. 30 due date. Proposals would be accepted for any of the three county service areas or for the entire county.
Other actions
- Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding for donating $50,000 from the county’s economic development income tax fund for the Business Bridge Grant Program of the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Excellence. The donation was approved during an Aug. 21 special meeting.
- Commissioners approved a revision to the emergency paid leave policy they enacted during the Aug. 21 meeting. The change enables employees to take the 80 hours of paid leave non-consecutively.
- Commissioners approved scheduling a public hearing about the vacation of an unimproved roadway in the 11000 block of Arba Pike. The Wayne County Advisory Plan Commission has recommended approval of the vacation.
- Commissioners approved the Sept. 19 and 20 closure of Fountain City Pike during the Levi Coffin Days festival in Fountain City.
A version of this article appeared in the September 2 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
