It’s not news to Uintah Basin farmers and ranchers that Utah is experiencing severe drought conditions. What they may not know, however, is that Governor Herbert has now declared a ‘State of Emergency’ and there could be assistance available. An executive order was declared on Monday as a result of the Utah Drought Review and Reporting Committee’s recommendation. The executive order states that the state’s snowpack, which was only 50 to 60 percent of normal, melted early, leading to extreme drought conditions that have adversely and significantly impacted agribusiness and livestock production, as well as wildlife and natural habitats. This ‘State of Emergency’ requires “the aid, assistance, and relief available pursuant to the provision of state statutes and the State Emergency Operations Plan.” The order was signed on October 15th by Governor Herbert and Lt. Governor Spencer Cox. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality reports that this means assistance is now available to farmers and ranchers impacted by the dry conditions.
