WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | Governor Asks for Disaster Declaration

Governor Asks for Disaster Declaration

Georgia's governor has requested the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) begin the process of declaring parts of Georgia disaster areas. In a letter Friday to Secretary Mike Johanns of the USDA, Gov. Sonny Perdue wrote, "Agriculture is Georgia's largest industry and the backbone of our economy," wrote Governor Sonny Perdue. "With the disaster declaration, Georgia farmers will be eligible for assistance to help them through this ongoing drought."

The disaster declaration request comes in the midst of one of the worst droughts in history. Dry conditions have not helped firefighters battling wildfires all across the southeast part of the state.

Georgia officials have designated today as a "Prayer Day," as farmers across the state have been praying for rain.

Of Georgia's 159 counties, 144 have been classified as under extreme or severe drought conditions.

If the disaster declaration is issued, farmers in all primary and contiguous disaster counties will be able to apply for low-interest emergency loans at their local Farm Service Agency office.

The letter sent to Secretary Johanns by Governor Perdue is below:

The Honorable Mike Johanns
Secretary of Agriculture
United States Department of Agriculture

Dear Mr. Secretary:

As you know, the Georgia agriculture community is suffering from one of the worst droughts on record. Agriculture is Georgia's largest industry and the backbone of our economy. I am writing to ask that you begin the process of declaring eligible counties in Georgia as U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretarial Disaster areas.

Soil Moisture conditions and ground water levels are below normal across most of our state. Many farmers have not been able to plant crops and raise livestock. Dairy producers are struggling to feed their herds, and many of the drought affected crops will not be harvested. In Georgia, 144 of our 159 counties have been classified as under extreme or severe drought conditions. Many city and farm well pumps are being lowered to allow access to water.

On behalf of Georgia farmers, I respectfully request that you review future reports from the Georgia USDA State Emergency Board and designate eligible counties as agriculture disaster areas. With this disaster declaration, Georgia farmers will be eligible for assistance to help them through this ongoing drought.

Thank you for your attention to this request.

Sincerely,

Sonny Perdue
Governor, State of Georgia