Mitigating the Drought's Impact

By Governor Mike Johanns

May 10, 2004

Dear Nebraska Neighbors:

We have almost come to expect an announcement each summer that drought is wreaking havoc on our state. It is unfortunate that this summer is no exception, but we refuse to sit back and accept its punishing effects without doing all we can to mitigate its impact.

That's why I was very pleased recently to sign a proclamation declaring a drought emergency in Nebraska and announce the details of our 2004 Drought Readiness and Response Plan. The plan includes six steps that demonstrate our comprehensive response efforts.

Several steps have already been taken or are part of ongoing efforts. One such effort is advocating for a permanent national drought disaster policy. Recently, I co-authored a letter with several other Governors outlining the need for such a policy to ensure a systematic response, as occurs with other natural disasters. The lack of such a policy forces ad hoc measures at the state and local levels to address drought conditions.

Another step already in motion is a grasshopper cost-share treatment program to provide producers with financial assistance. Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until May 14.

I also believe passage of LB 962, the new water policy legislation, is a big step toward improved drought preparedness. It represents unprecedented compromise and reflects the recommendations of a diverse, 49-member Water Policy Task Force. We are working swiftly to implement the new policy even as the 2004 drought takes shape.

The newly announced actions that are part of the 2004 plan include a drought emergency declaration that I signed to activate emergency funding for unmet drought-related needs. An example would be fire-fighting training for a National Guard cadre that will be ready to respond to wild fires. While the funding will allow us to assist local communities with a number of drought related issues, the state cannot reimburse private producers for losses incurred because of the drought.

Another element of the 2004 plan is a half million dollars in funding for several drought assistance projects. The funding from the federal Bureau of Reclamation was secured through the dedicated efforts of Congressman Tom Osborne. The projects include an aeration system to help preserve the trout fishery in Lake Ogallala, a water set-aside pilot program for Lake McConaughy and reimbursements for Republican Basin Irrigation Districts that are limiting use to retain water in southwest Nebraska reservoirs.

The final piece of the plan encompasses several efforts to ensure a statewide response to the continuing drought. I've asked the Climate Assessment Response Committee (CARC) to continue its mitigation efforts and to provide frequent briefings on those efforts. I directed the state Department of Agriculture to assist the federal Farm Service Agency in evaluating and monitoring conditions on a county-by-county basis. I am also asking the many state agencies involved with drought mitigation efforts to work together to ensure we are providing maximum assistance to those affected.

Without question, the lack of subsoil moisture and low reservoir levels are deeply concerning, particularly as we enter a fifth year of drought. Our ag producers depend on moisture for their livelihood, and our state's economy depends largely on agriculture. That's why I'm hopeful that the 2004 Drought Readiness and Response Plan will help to lessen the impact of the drought on our "Nebraska United."