Washington County Commissioners Advance Conservation, Infrastructure, and Public Safety Initiatives

The Washington County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) recently convened to address several key initiatives aimed at land conservation, infrastructure improvements, and bolstering emergency services. Per a recap released by the county, significant decisions were made regarding a substantial grant application for rural land preservation, a necessary upgrade to the Smithsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant, and measures to enhance staffing at the Emergency Communications Center. Furthermore, the board took steps to move forward with the widening of Eastern Boulevard, a project designed to improve traffic flow and connectivity within the county.

In its commitment to preserving the county’s natural landscapes, the BOCC has approved the submission of an application for the FY27 Rural Legacy Program grant. The request seeks up to $9.5 million, which would be allocated towards acquiring conservation easements within the designated Rural Legacy Area surrounding the historic Antietam Battlefield. This initiative builds upon the success of the Rural Legacy Program, which has already secured over 9,700 acres in Washington County, with the current funding cycle poised to potentially surpass the 10,000-acre preservation milestone. To date, a total of 43,400 acres have been permanently preserved through various land conservation programs in Washington County.

The board also received an update concerning the Smithsburg Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). An evaluation revealed that the filters, which have been in operation for over three decades, have reached the end of their service life. A full replacement of the filters, along with their controls and instrumentation, has been recommended over a rehabilitation approach. This undertaking will necessitate structural modifications to the building, including the creation of a new wall opening and the installation of a roll-up door. Temporary filtration measures will also be required during construction to ensure continued compliance with environmental permits. The commissioners acknowledged the necessity of this project and have directed staff to return with more detailed financial projections at a future meeting.

To address staffing shortages within the Emergency Communications Center (ECC), the BOCC has authorized the implementation of hiring incentives for fully trained and certified 911 dispatchers. This program, intended to attract and retain experienced personnel, will offer bonuses to dispatchers hired in 2026 or later who possess all requisite certifications. The number of available incentives will be limited, and staff will be tasked with monitoring the program’s effectiveness by assessing factors such as skill levels, employee acclimation, and turnover rates before reporting back to the board.

Significant progress was also made on the Eastern Boulevard widening project. The commissioners approved the acceptance of a no-cost dedication of property and associated easements for Parcel 48, a key step in Phase II of the project. This phase aims to expand Eastern Boulevard from two lanes to four lanes between Jefferson Boulevard (MD 64) and Antietam Drive. Notably, certain easements associated with this dedication will revert to the property owner if residential homes are constructed on the parcel before the road construction commences. Additionally, the board authorized staff to execute agreements with CSX Transportation for Phase I of the widening project. These agreements are crucial for facilitating necessary drainage improvements adjacent to the railroad tracks, replacing an existing drainage pipe, and installing a new stormwater outfall pipe beneath the railway and Antietam Drive. These CSXT agreements ensure oversight during construction and pave the way for the project to commence, with an anticipated start date in the fall of 2026.

In other business, the Board of County Commissioners approved various purchase awards and contract renewals supporting different county departments. They also received informational briefings from Hagerstown Community College and the Washington County Free Library regarding their recent operations and future outlooks.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Government

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