Prince George County supervisors agreed Oct. 14 to move forward with cooperative purchasing agreements with prequalified debris-hauling and debris-monitoring contractors to improve response after major storms and to maximize eligibility for FEMA public assistance.

Emergency Management Coordinator Brian Thayer outlined the proposed approach, which relies on cooperative contracts that CVWMA (Central Virginia Waste Management Authority) established in 2017 and that have been extended. The contracts allow the county to issue a "notice to proceed" before a storm, mobilize experienced debris-removal crews, and document work in ways FEMA requires for reimbursement.

Why it matters: Proper contractor agreements and certified debris-monitoring improve the county's ability to clear roads quickly, protect emergency responderstime, and document costs for FEMA and VDEM reimbursement. Thayer emphasized that documentation (truck certification, load-ticket data, disposal-site receipts) is essential to avoid disallowed expenses.

Thayer and county staff described a "clear-skies" phase (pre-season coordination, tabletop exercises, identification of temporary debris management sites) and activation procedures tied to forecast windows. The county has three initial pre-authorized temporary debris-management sites (Bridal Road water tower, Carson Fire Station No. 3 and Union Branch convenience center) and is identifying additional sites.

Supervisors asked several operational questions, including whether private trucks and private roads would be included; Thayer said private trucks can be certified and included if properly documented, and that, with outreach, residents could bring debris to the designated DMS sites so disposal is eligible for reimbursement.

Board consensus: Thayer asked for a board consensus to enter cooperative purchasing agreements and proceed with pre-season coordination; Supervisors Webb and Cox voiced support, Supervisor Pew abstained because of a personal conflict (he had done work with some listed companies), and Chairman Brown indicated support. The chair recorded a majority consensus to proceed.

Next steps: Staff will bring cooperative purchasing agreements and implementation steps forward; they will proceed with pre-season coordination, public information messaging about debris separation and DMS use, and finalize DMS locations and logistics.

Ending: Supervisors said contracting and clear documentation would reduce burden on county resources and speed restoration of services to residents after storms.