Emergency Drought Commission Approves Additional Relief Funds

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November 15, 2022

By News Director Jared Atha

The Emergency Drought Commission has approved an additional $12 million in funding to the existing Emergency Drought Cost-Share Program.

The Commission directed $12 million in additional funding to the Emergency Drought Cost-Share funding program. In addition to the increase in funding, the commission directed local conservation districts to accept applications for all approved practices.

The approved practices include:

    • Water well drilling
    • Pumping facilities
    • Pipeline
    • Pasture tap
    • Watering facilities
    • Heavy use protection
    • Cover crop planting (for erosion control)
    • Forage and biomass planting (excluding Bermuda grass)
    • Pond clean out

A statewide application period is now open across all conservation districts and is set to close on November 28.

Applications that were submitted prior to November 9 that have not received funding will be considered for the updated program. Applicants who have been approved for funding are not eligible to submit a new application.

All actions of the Commission are pending approval by Gov. Kevin Stitt. The Commission will continue to meet in order to distribute the remaining funds appropriated by the State Legislature and approved by the Governor.

As of November 10, the U.S. Drought Monitor show’s the majority of Western Oklahoma, including all of Beckham, Washita, and Roger Mills Counties as being in a severe drought, with the east half of Custer County described as being in an extreme drought.

Three counties in Southwest Oklahoma, including Harmon, Jackson and Greer Counties are also considered to be in an extreme drought.

Copyright 2022 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

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