Last week, I attended the first meeting of the newly formed Emergency Drought Commission to provide some input from LeFlore County.
The commission was formed by the governor’s executive order filed earlier this month that released $3 million for drought relief to farmers and ranchers throughout Oklahoma. The funds were moved from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board into the state’s Emergency Drought Relief Fund through legislation that passed this session – House Bill 2959.
Funding will be allowed for pond clean outs and digging new ponds, drilling new water wells, solar pumps, running pipe, tapping into rural water supplies, retention tubs and other ways farmers and ranchers find to deal with the effects of the current drought. In addition to the lack of rain, many cattle producers are dealing with the rising price of hay and feed, so money will be available to help with transporting feed and other necessities as well.
In this first meeting, the commission discussed how best to distribute the funds. I asked that they be evenly distributed among applicants from all 77 Oklahoma counties. Some suggested western portions of the state be considered first. My contention is that producers in LeFlore County should be considered as important as other applicants. Our small operators need as much help as those running bigger operations.
Commissioners also discussed the split between the state and independent ag producers. Some suggested a 60/40 split, with the state paying the larger share. I said this was too much for farmers and ranchers to absorb and suggested a 75/25 or even 80/20 split.
Commissioners didn’t make any final determinations in this first meeting. They plan to meet again Oct. 3 hopefully to finalize the application process as details for how they will be disbursed.
Money from the Emergency Drought Relief Fund will not be available every year. HB2959 specified it will take an executive order by the governor and availability of funds appropriated by the Legislature. The money can only be used for emergency drought relief activities. This state funding, however, is in addition to millions of dollars available to Oklahoma ag producers through federal Farm Service Agency programs.
The Oklahoma Emergency Drought Commission consists of Oklahoma Conservation Commission Executive Director Trey Lam, Oklahoma Water Resources Board Executive Director Julie Cunningham and Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur, who serves as chair. Arthur said they will work quickly to get the funds where they are most needed. The commission will exist as long as there is a declared drought emergency, under the terms of the order.
As always, if I can help you with anything, feel free to call my Capitol office at (405) 557-7413 or email me at rick.west@okhouse.gov.
- Rick West serves District 3 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes part of LeFlore County.
Get Local News!
