Sebelius Issues Order to Expedite Drought Relief

Sebelius Issues Order to Expedite Drought Relief

Executive order will help speed up delivery of hay to Kansas ranchers

With Kansas farmers and ranchers still dealing with the effects of the ongoing drought, Governor Kathleen Sebelius has waived restrictions that could have slowed shipments of hay into Kansas.

Executive Order 06-10 will help expedite the delivery of hay to Kansas ranchers who need assistance. The order temporarily waives road and licensing requirements for oversized vehicles that haul agricultural loads and equipment.

"The extremely dry weather has taken a heavy toll on our agricultural community," said Sebelius. "When I toured Kansas farms last month, I saw the effects of the drought first-hand. As we also work to get federal drought assistance, I want to make sure the state is doing everything it can to make sure our farmers and ranchers can get relief. "

This executive order is one in a series of actions Sebelius has taken as the drought has steadily spread to the point that the entire state is now under a drought warning. The Governor's Drought Response Team has been coordinating the state's response on issues ranging from mitigating the impact on agriculture, to combating wildfires, to ensuring adequate water supplies for residents, businesses and agriculture.
For more information regarding drought in Kansas, go to the Kansas Water Office drought page: http://www.kwo.org/Reports/drought.htm or the Agriculture Web site: http://www.accesskansas.org/kda/droughtinfo.htm.

http://www.governor.ks.gov/news/NewsRelease/2006/nr-06-0912b.htm