Colorado State Archives

Executive Orders from the Administration of Governor Bill Owens 1999-2005

OWENS REQUESTS ADDITIONAL SIX COUNTY DISASTER DECLARATION FROM USDA

Governor asks the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture for disaster status for Moffat, Kiowa, Morgan, Sedgwick, Larimer and Boulder Counties

DENVER – Governor Bill Owens has asked U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman for agricultural disaster status in six Colorado counties that have been severely affected by the state’s ongoing drought and damaging freezes: Moffat, Kiowa, Morgan, Sedgwick, Larimer and Boulder.

In late June, Gov. Owens asked the USDA for a disaster declaration for four counties on the Western Slope and Eastern Plains: Delta, Logan, Phillips and Washington. This request is currently being processed and action is expected in the next few weeks.

"Farmers and ranchers across the state have seen their crops and pastures wither from a lack of rainfall this past spring and summer," said Gov. Owens. "A hard late-spring freeze also reduced our anticipated West Slope apple harvest and dramatically cut winter wheat yields in much of eastern Colorado."

On May 12^th, freezing temperatures caused substantial damage to agricultural crops throughout the state. Additionally, prolonged drought in Colorado has also damaged pastureland resulting in substantially reduced forage for livestock. All six counties have incurred crop damage as a result of the extreme weather patterns.

If the USDA designates these areas disaster-impacted counties, producers will be eligible for the Emergency Loan Program and other USDA assistance.

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