Washington, D.C. -  U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson today announced that six Southern Illinois counties have been designated as disaster areas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a result of last summer’s drought.

            The Illinois counties included in the disaster designation are Alexander, Pulaski, Gallatin, Hardin, Massac and Pope.

            “Farmers in these areas have been severely impacted by the drought so we are happy to report this designation and offer these individuals some measure of relief,” said Rep. Johnson.

            The latest disaster designation applies to 120 counties in Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. The designation allows affected farmers to be considered for low-interest emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency, provided eligibility requirements are met. FSA will consider each application on its own merit by taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability, according to Agriculture Secretary Michael Johanns.

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