Western Governor's Association urges Congress to enact legislation to aid drought-stricken West

August 1996

U.S. Water News Online

DENVER -- A drought task force recently formed by the Western Governor's Association has sent a legislative priority list to Congress, urging action on a minimum of six items before the end of this legislative session in early August.

The WGA Task Force was created through a resolution sponsored by Governor Johnson of New Mexico at the annual meeting of the Western Governor's Association this June. The resolution directs the task force to make recommendations for "suggested actions and legislative initiatives to alleviate the immediate crisis and to prepare for the impending worsening of the drought."

The following issues were outlined for prompt consideration:

• Provide additional funds for Agriculture Emergency Loans. The task force pointed out that funds for this program will be depleted by the end of July, and that appropriations for fiscal year 1997 are uncertain. It urged that appropriations for the Emergency Loan program be maintained "at the highest possible level" through 1997.
  
• Extend the Emergency Livestock Feed Program. This program, designed to help ranchers who otherwise cannot afford to feed their livestock, was suspended under the 1996 Farm Bill. Temporary emergency measures have been reinstated for 1996, but the task force recommended considering this program for funding in 1997, as well.
  
• Restructure the Emergency Water Transportation Authority. Under this provision, the Army Corps of Engineers is authorized to construct wells and transport water on an emergency basis in drought-distressed areas for human and livestock use. The task force pointed out, however, that the requirements of this program are so stringent it is rarely used. This should be changed, the letter says, making assistance available "based on the request of a governor on a cost-share basis when a drought is declared."
  
• Extend the 1991 Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act. This act authorized the Secretary of the Interior to provide loans for certain activities to minimize drought-related losses and damages, but was never fully funded. The task force recommends "the Secretary's authorities under this Act be extended permanently," and that additional funding should be authorized and appropriated in order to address the serious impacts of both present and future droughts.
  
• Safeguard Provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The passage of this bill is anticipated before Congress recesses in August. The task force recommends including provisions that allow the use of State Revolving Loan Funds for drought mitigation -- i.e. to develop water system infrastructure and alternative water sources in drought-prone areas, as well as to develop and implement urban and rural water conservation and education programs.

According to Bruce Flinn, Natural Resource Consultant for the WGA Task Force, immediate action on these issues is an important first step in the western states collective management of drought, but it is only a first step.

"We are in the first phase of what many here think will be a five year drought cycle," said Flinn. "And drought in the West is a recurrent pattern. We have to go beyond emergency measures to fashion a drought policy that will work in the long-term."

Finding ways to improve both state and federal response to drought conditions is the focus of this effort, said Flinn. "When it comes to drought aid, there is no one-stop shopping," he said, speaking of the diffuse network of agencies -- both state and federal -- that handle drought relief programs. "Half of the problem is coordinating everyone's efforts effectively."

Developing a drought policy is high on the agenda, said Flinn, something that has, so far, eluded both state and federal government officials. The western states, collectively, may propose a "drought czar" in charge of one agency -- perhaps a regional rather than federal one, he said -- which will oversee and coordinate drought relief.

Such an agency would help eliminate confusion and delay for those in critical need of aid. It would also prevent duplication of services, and facilitate an accurate exchange of information, including scientific data needed for an accurate assessment of drought conditions. This, he said, would provide more stability and continuity to the drought management process.

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