Wittman Advocates for Community Project Funding for Middlesex County
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) highlighted the inclusion of $750,000 for Middlesex County Regional Interoperability Upgrades, which he requested as Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Act. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee and awaits passage on the House Floor.
During the August district work period, Congressman Wittman is traveling across the district to meet with local leaders and discuss his efforts in Washington to secure federal investments for Virginia's First District.
“Reliable communication is essential to keeping our communities safe,” said Rep. Wittman. “This funding would strengthen coordination among first responders across the region, improve emergency response, and enhance public safety. I am proud to support this project to ensure our local communities have the resources they need when every second counts.”
“Reliable communication is one of the most important tools our deputies and first responders have in an emergency. The current limitations of our radio system can create challenges when we need to communicate quickly and seamlessly with neighboring jurisdictions and other public safety agencies. This project would give Middlesex County the modern, interoperable communications system our deputies and our community deserve, while strengthening our ability to work together with our regional partners. We are extremely grateful to Congressman Wittman for visiting Middlesex County, listening to our concerns, and supporting this important Community Project Funding request. His leadership and commitment to public safety mean a great deal to our community. This investment would not only improve officer and public safety in Middlesex County, but would strengthen emergency response and interoperability across the entire region. On behalf of the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office and our community, we sincerely thank Congressman Wittman for his continued support.” - Sheriff Michael Sampson and David Layman, Emergency Services Coordinator
“The vision for the Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Regional Radio System was developed based upon the interoperability lessons of 9/11 and to solve technology accessibility limitations in emergency communications in a cost effective and efficient manner for our small rural communities. Our first responders deserve the best technology capable of ensuring reliable mission critical communications. The local cost sharing methodology and regional construction design have been successful in reducing unnecessary costs, improving operability among agencies by creating a common communication standard, and improving interoperability with our local, regional, state and federal partners. Federal funding support integrates Middlesex into the regional system and highlights where the investment of local, state and federal dollars can develop effective public communications strategy to meet our community needs.” - Gregory Hunter, Regional Radio System Manager, Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Regional Radio System
“This radio system upgrade is an important public safety need for Middlesex County. Reliable communications are critical for our deputies, firefighters, EMS personnel, and dispatchers, especially when they’re responding to an emergency. Federal funding would help us make this much-needed upgrade while reducing the cost that would otherwise fall on our local taxpayers. We appreciate the support for the project and look forward to seeing it move through the process.” - Kevin Gentry, County Administrator
The funding would be used to integrate Middlesex County into the King and Queen-led regional radio communications system, enhancing interoperability with neighboring jurisdictions. The County’s current system has critical gaps, requiring software patches or radio swaps to communicate across jurisdictions. These gaps create dangerous delays during multi-county emergencies. Integration into a regional system will enable seamless, real-time communication among law enforcement and emergency personnel. It will improve officer safety, especially during pursuits that cross county lines, and ensure more coordinated responses to critical incidents. Federal investment would result in faster response times, improved public safety, and long-term cost savings through shared, modernized communications capabilities.
Community Project Funding (CPF) allows Members of Congress to bring tax dollars back home for district-specific priorities. Members have firsthand knowledge of their district’s needs and can prioritize federal funding for the most critical local projects. For Congressman Wittman, these projects address clear and present needs in communities across Virginia and enjoy broad community support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits. Community Project Funding gives Congressman Wittman the ability to empower Virginians by ensuring they have a critical voice in directing their federal tax dollars back into VA-01 communities.