Salem-News.com Drought articles

Oregon Governor Declares More Drought Emergencies

The Governor's drought declaration allows increased flexibility in how water is managed to ensure that limited supplies are used as efficiently as possible.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Oregon Governor Kitzhaber has declared drought emergencies in Grant, Josephine, and Wheeler counties. Commissioners from the respective counties requested emergency declarations this spring, and the Governor issued the declarations on May 29, 2014.

The State Drought Council considered each county's request by weighing current water conditions, future climatic forecasts, and agricultural impacts.