Mathews County is accepting applications from its residents to have outfall ditches placed on a priority list to be cleaned.

The county’s ditch program is only for outfall ditches, which generally run perpendicular to roads and carry water away from the roadside ditches, according to a release from the Mathews County Department of Planning and Zoning. Ditches along private and public roads are not included in the program.

During the winter months, crews will work to clear the drainage areas of saplings, bushes and other accumulated debris. An application must be completed for outfall drainage ditches to be placed on the list. All property owners that abut the ditch must sign the application and release forms to enable the work crews to access their properties.

The deadline for turning in applications is Oct. 31.

Applications are available on the Mathews County website at www.co.mathews.va.us or at the Department of Planning and Zoning, 50 Brickbat Road, Suite 208. Residents m...