Gov. Seeks USDA Disaster Declaration for Farmers Affected by June Floods

Press Release

GOV. SEEKS USDA DISASTER DECLARATION FOR FARMERS AFFECTED BY JUNE FLOODS

Agricultural Commissioner Gus Douglass says many farms continue to suffer

After learning from the commissioner of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture that many farmers continue to suffer from losses of crops due to June flooding in north central West Virginia, Gov. Joe Manchin has asked the secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture to declare a natural disaster in Gilmer, Calhoun, Randolph, Tucker and Barbour counties.

On June 4, Gov. Manchin declared a State of Emergency in those and additional northern counties and later requested that President Bush declare a major disaster for the area. The state and federal disaster declarations enabled assistance programs that have helped thousands of residents and businesses in the affected areas, but this additional agricultural declaration would help farmers receive the federal aid and support they need to recover from the flooding, the governor said.

"Commissioner Douglass has advised me that many farms in our northern communities suffered, and continue to suffer, losses of crops such as hay, corn and other grains," Manchin said. "The heavy rains and severe flooding in early June continue to take a toll on our state and I am confident that Sec. Schafer and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will recognize that these areas meet the criteria for this declaration."

Douglass said that this declaration will help to ensure that farming remains a viable industry in northern West Virginia. "Severe weather is a factor the farmer simply cannot account for - a single bad event can wipe out a year's work," said Commissioner Douglass. "I am lending my voice in support of the approval of the federal declaration so these farmers can continue to produce the food that fuels our state and nation."

Local USDA-Farm Service Agency employees will continue to gather more detailed information on losses until a decision is reached in Washington.

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