Udall Brought Bill Goes To President For Action

UDALL DROUGHT BILL GOES TO PRESIDENT FOR ACTION

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation sponsored by U.S. Rep. Mark Udall (D-Eldorado Springs) that would create a national system to provide early warnings, forecasts, and information about drought conditions so that state and local communities can better address the impacts of drought. With the House passing the bill earlier this fall, it now goes to the President for his signature.

"There is no doubt that drought has extremely harmful affects on our economy, however it is not always addressed as a natural disaster because it is slow to develop," stated Udall. "In Colorado, reduced precipitation in addition to high temperatures has caused extreme wildfire conditions, water restrictions, a decline in tourism, reduced crop yields, and many other harmful effects."

H.R. 5136, the National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006, was developed jointly by Udall and Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX). The bill would authorize a total of $94 million through fiscal 2012 to enhance and operate the National Integration Drought Information System (NIDIS) at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This legislation specifies that NOAA will coordinate with local, state, tribal and federal entities to create a comprehensive network of drought information and provide decision-makers with the tools to manage water resources. The end goal is to provide detailed information on drought vulnerabilities by improving drought prediction and better integrating existing drought information.

Two major drought products currently exist that produce low-resolution national maps: the U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook and the Drought Monitor. Although both products are useful, Udall said they are insufficient to meet the needs of most water managers and users.

"While the Department of Homeland Security is working to prepare for natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes, the federal government is not doing enough to mitigate and reduce the effects of drought," added Rep. Udall. "I believe there is much more NOAA can do to provide detailed, seasonal and long term, drought monitors on a regional basis. I'm pleased that Congress has passed the bill and hope the president will sign it into law."

http://markudall.house.gov/HoR/CO02/Newsroom/Press+Releases/2006/UDALL+DROUGHT+BILL+GOES+TO+PRESIDENT+FOR+ACTION.htm