National Integrated Drought Information System
The National Integrated Drought Information Systems (NIDIS) is a collaboration between numerous federal agencies and several state governments to provide a dynamic and accessible drought-risk information system. NIDIS was created in response to extended drought conditions over the past decade and is led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
NIDIS represents the culmination of a legislative effort led by Science and Technology Committee Ranking Member Ralph Hall (R-TX), in response to extreme droughts in his home state of Texas. H.R. 5136, the National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006, introduced by Hall in the House, was signed into law in December 2006.
New Drought Website
A new comprehensive website www.drought.gov, was launched on November 1, 2007. The website is a valuable tool for communities, providing information on U.S. drought conditions, forecasts, drought impacts, and mitigation measures.
NOAA Press Release