Colorado State Archives

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

OWENS REQUESTS ADDITIONAL FIVE COUNTY DISASTER DECLARATION FROM USDA

DENVER – Governor Bill Owens has asked U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman for agricultural disaster status in five Colorado counties that have been severely affected by the ongoing drought and damaging spring freezes: Baca, Bent, Delta, Montrose and Ouray. Delta has received disaster designation for the freezes, but this latest request applies to the severe drought that has impacted the area’s agricultural industry.

"Drought continues to take its toll on pastures and crops throughout the state," said Gov. Owens. "Farmers have seen the loss of too many crops due to high winds, lightning, little rain and freeze impacts. Assistance from the USDA will provide much needed assistance to the agricultural industry in these areas."

If the USDA designates these areas disaster-impacted counties, producers will be eligible for the Emergency Loan Program and other USDA assistance. Farmers and ranchers in the impacted areas would then need to go to their local USDA Farm Service Agency to apply for funds.

To date, Gov. Owens has asked the USDA for a disaster declaration for a total of 33 counties, including these most recent counties in Colorado. Federal disaster designation has been granted to eight counties: Delta (for freezes), Logan, Phillips, Washington, Moffat, Kiowa, Sedgwick and Larimer. Counties that are in the final stage of receiving USDA action include: Morgan, Montezuma, Archuleta, Dolores, Conejos, Eagle, Garfield, La Plata, Pueblo, San Miguel, Alamosa, Costilla, Hinsdale, Huerfano, Jackson, Mineral, Rio Grande, Rio Blanco, Routt, and Saguache. Boulder was denied approval due to lack of documented coverage in the county.

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