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WYDEN LAUNCHES ONLINE LIST OF DROUGHT RESOURCES
Senator’s website contains links to various
drought programs, disaster relief,
and aid available for those suffering from the drought in Oregon
April 12, 2005
Portland, OR
– Following a promise at his Drought Preparedness Forum,
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden has posted a list of drought resources
on his website. The list includes resources for various water
users — agricultural users, fishermen, small businesses,
those impacted by increased energy costs, recreational users,
and others — who may suffer the consequences of a dry spring
and summer in Oregon.
“When drought
impacts our state, people shouldn’t have to spend weeks
trying to figure out who to call,” Wyden said.
Wyden convened
the Drought Preparedness Forum in Salem on March 29 to bring together
water users from across the state with government agencies to
discuss the preparations for the severe water shortage that is
predicted for Oregon this summer. Representatives from a broad
array of commercial and non-commercial interests attended and
discussed the anticipated impacts on municipal water users, agriculture
and other water-dependent businesses, energy costs, fish and wildlife,
wildfire, and recreation. Federal and state agencies also attended
and spoke about their efforts to prepare for a drought.
After hearing
from numerous agencies about the programs and resources they have
available to assist people in the event of drought, Wyden promised
to pull together a list of drought resources — all in one
place — to help Oregonians navigate the many agencies that
deal with drought issues.
“One thing
we heard loud and clear at the forum was the need for a list,
all in one place, of the resources available to folks suffering
through a drought,” Wyden said. “I continue to hope
we’ll see a change in the weather and won’t need to
call on these programs, but I want to make sure we have a tool
for folks to access the information they need if the worst does
come to pass.”
The list of drought
resources is available through Wyden’s website at:
http://wyden.senate.gov/media/Drought_Resources_2005/drought_resources.html.
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