Dry Conditions Lead to Disaster Declaration
MADISON- Gov. Scott Walker has declared a state of emergency in 42 southern Wisconsin counties due to drought or abnormally dry conditions.
Monday's declaration allows for speeding up of permits for farmers to temporarily use stream or lake water for irrigation.
The U.S. Drought Monitor lists all or portions of 14 southern Wisconsin counties as experiencing a moderate drought. All or portions of 23 counties are listed as abnormally dry.
Walker is also encouraging farmers to report crop conditions to their local U.S. Farm Service Agency office. That information can be used for Walker to request a federal disaster declaration, which could make low-cost emergency loans and other assistance available.
The declaration covers these counties: Adams, Brown, Buffalo, Calumet, Clark, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Dodge, Fond Du Lac, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Kewaunee, LaCrosse, Lafayette, Marquette, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Monroe, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Portage, Racine, Richland, Rock, Sauk, Sheboygan, Trempealeau, Vernon, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago, Wood, and any county contiguous to the named counties at the discretion of the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources and upon written notification to the Governor.
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