Congressman Rob Wittman has secured $448,559 in federal funding to upgrade the public safety radio system and enhance regional interoperability in Mathews County. The funding was approved by the House and signed into law on January 23, 2026, as part of the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026.
“I am thrilled to see my Community Funding Request for Mathews County signed into law,” said Rep. Wittman. “This funding will modernize public safety communication infrastructure — ensuring that law enforcement has the resources to respond to emergencies and keep our communities safe.”
Mathews County plans to use the funds to purchase new mobile and portable radios, dispatch console equipment, control stations, and microwave systems. The county’s rural landscape presents challenges for emergency response teams, especially given its outdated communications systems. With these upgrades, local law enforcement will have more reliable tools to maintain coverage in remote areas. Improved communication capabilities are also expected to support coordination with neighboring jurisdictions and state or federal agencies during joint emergency responses.
Community Project Funding (CPF) allows members of Congress to direct federal dollars toward specific needs within their districts. According to Wittman’s office, CPF projects help address pressing local issues while staying within existing budget limits.
Rob Wittman represents Virginia’s 1st district in Congress, a position he has held since 2007 after replacing Jo Ann Davis. Before his tenure in Congress, Wittman served on the Westmoreland County Board of Supervisors and in the Virginia House of Delegates from 2006 to 2007. He was born in Washington, D.C., in 1959 and currently resides in Montross. Wittman graduated from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1981.
