Drought Relief

DROUGHT RELIEF -- (House of Representatives - March 15, 2005)

(Mr. LARSEN of Washington asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to bring attention to what can potentially be the worst drought season the State of Washington has experienced in nearly 3 decades.

In my district and throughout the State precipitation levels are hovering at or near record lows. Mountain snow pack levels are at 26 percent of normal averages. Many rivers and streams are flowing at levels well below normal for this time of the year. Unfortunately, it looks as though the worst is yet to come as the National Weather Service has predicted that dry, warm weather will continue through the spring.

If these conditions persist as predicted, the drought will have a devastating impact on our State's agriculture, fishing, and recreation industries and will increase the potential of destructive forest fires this spring and summer.

I would like to commend Washington State's Governor Christine Gregoire for her leadership and foresight in declaring a statewide drought emergency and forming a Drought Emergency Command Center. This emergency declaration will allow the State Department of Ecology to provide assistance and relief, including the issuance of emergency water permits and the temporary transfer of water rights.

The Emergency Command Center will be able to work with State and local agencies to ensure that resources are reaching the areas that need assistance the most. Governor Gregoire has set an example of proactive leadership. I look forward to working with her and my fellow members of the Washington State delegation to help the people of our State through this difficult time.

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