(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, today, issued statements on the USDA disaster designation of 42 Iowa counties as primary natural disaster areas due to the recent drought.
On July 16, Gov. Branstad sent a letter to Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting a drought disaster declaration for impacted Iowa counties. The letter to Sec. Vilsack can be viewed here.
Gov. Branstad released the following statement:
"In response to my letter, the Lt. Governor and I would like to thank Secretary Vilsack for the USDA's recent drought declaration of several Iowa counties. This drought has had a significant impact on Iowa agriculture and the farmers who work hard every day to feed a growing world population. This disaster designation will provide affected Iowans with additional resources during these difficult times."
Lt. Gov. Reynolds released the following statement:
"One thing that I know for certain is that Iowa farmers have the tenacity, resilience, resolve and fortitude to withstand these challenging times. The Governor and I stand with all Iowans as we work together to respond swiftly to these drought conditions."
# # #
